Xplosion rock the house during tryouts Saturday
March 9, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Memphis Xplorers News Release
SOUTHAVEN, Miss.âSaturday night the South Beach Dance Club in Memphis exploded as young women from Memphis and DeSoto County vied for spots in Xplosion, the Memphis Xplorers arenafootball2 team dance squad.
The women came prepared with more than just a 30-second dance routine to their choice of music. They also pushed to impress the judges with their poise and personality in addition to dance ability.
Newcomer Meagan Henson, 18, definitely had butterflies in her stomach, but was excited about the possibility of making the team.
"I'm a little bit nervous and scared, but I hope my experience will help me make the team," Henson said. "I danced for the Horn Lake High School dance team for four years and I am in my first year as a member of the Northwest Community College dance team."
Celebrity judges included Memphis Xplorers head coach Danton Barto; Memphis Xplorers players Kris Peter and Brian Jones; professional photographer Erick Blair; representative for Varsity Spirit Fashion Becky Cook; Memphis RiverKings player Jonathon Gagnon; Memphis RiverKings' director of game operations Gene Szucs; and Xplosion's director Adrienne Germano.
Of course there were others who were feeling a bit more at ease, like returning member of team Xplosion, Holly Townsend, 19.
"This will be my third year," she said, smiling. "It's been fun and the Xplorers games are awesome!"
Germano said team Xplosion will move up a level this year in terms of their involvement with the community. In addition to dancing during the Memphis Xplorers' home games, team members will also take part in community investment programs, including reading to children at local libraries during summer reading programs.
"These girls work really hard at what they do," Germano said. "There are so many children, especially young girls, that idolize these cheerleaders. They need to see a positive role model who is achieving her personal goals, and team Xplosion is in a position to do that."
After all the girls performed their routines, the new squad was announced. Returning members include Holly Townsend, Lindsey Parsons, and Kanetris Nelson. New faces for Team Xplosion are Violetta Zelikov, Marianne Watts, Brandi Thweatt, Antoinique Randolph, Kellie Moore, Christy Jones, Meaghan Henson, Natalie Horton, Mandi Hughes, Dana Dorteh, Holly Coulston, and Alicia Campbell.
"I'm excited," 22-year-old Marianne Watts said. "I've never danced as part of a team and I want to try something new."
After the team was announced, the new squad met with their coach, Tisheica Jamison, and Germano. Team Xplosion got fitted for their uniforms and received their practice schedules.
"We have some talented girls with great personalities," Germano said. "These girls will put on a fun show. It should be a great year."
The first home game for the Xplorers is Saturday, April 17th. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Season ticket packages are now on sale for the 2004 af2 season. For more information, contact the Xplorers office at 662-342-1755.
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