Dancer high kicking her way from Bison to Concordia

McCook High senior Taylor Earl (left) is a three-year Starz dance team captain.

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — Who knows McCook High’s highest state-placing winter sports did not involve 10-second pins or dribbling around double teams?

Senior Taylor Earl certainly won’t forget that below-freezing February afternoon, where fortunately her team was performing inside on this season’s biggest stage.

She’d been dancing since age nine for Spotlight Dance Studios then the Starz team for her favorite coach Jazlyn Hart .

“She’s the best,” Taylor said.

Then suddenly one of Taylor’s best all-time moments as a Bison arrived. The unforgettable Class B state high kick!

“I knew we hit it just right,” Earl proudly proclaimed after all those 6 a.m. morning wake-up calls to practice along with evening workouts. “We did the diagonals, our movements were all together and all the smiles.

Getting second at state high kicks is something I’ll always remember,” the three-year Starz team captain added.

She’ll soon be moving on to Concordia University in Seward for even higher honors.

Coach Mandi Maser’s team annually competes in the NAIA dance national championships besides other competitive events.

“We’re excited to get Taylor on our team,” Maser confirmed during the recent signing at McCook High School.

Taylor admits it will be “a little scary”, plus she knows work must be done on improving her technique and tricks,

Yet she loves the Concordia team atmosphere similiar to being a Bison.

Taylor plans on majoring in biology and becoming a strong teacher like many who’ve helped her through these Bison days.

“She’s grown so much,” Hart confirmed.

Taylor thanked everyone including parents James, Carma and McCook school mentor Chelsey Benes.