The sounds of the crowd cheering for the team. The stands filled with purple and white. The memories that will last years beyond the times at Berton A. Yates Stadium.
The concept of Friday night lights extends far beyond the confines of a football field; it embodies a complex interplay of community identity, social dynamics and cultural values prevalent in small towns. Friday night games also serve as communal gatherings that foster unity and shared purpose among residents, illustrating how sports can catalyze local pride and collective identity.
One of the biggest parts of the game besides the game would be the entertainment during halftime. For over 50 years, the Sweethearts Dance Team is committed to promoting excellence inside and outside the classroom, performing with pride, and giving back to the community while also showcasing creative beautiful dances.
“All of the choreography we will perform this fall is finalized and already taught to the team,” dance director Kaylee Trotter said. “Our pep rally and halftime routines are new each year, and we want to continue to push the envelope in terms of technique and dynamics. Some choreography like our Hunk & Heart routine, parade choreography and stand routines are traditional pieces that are passed down from year to year. We learn our contest choreography throughout the fall, to start preparing for our competition season as soon as football season is complete.”
Preparation for the season is one of the most important parts of the sweetheart preseason. The majority of this preparation happens behind the scenes and oftentimes goes unrecognized.
“I am most excited for our Field Pom,” Trotter said. “Mr. Dittfurth and I spend a lot of time selecting halftime music each spring, and I think we found a piece of music that will stand out on the field. We received great choreography from Sophia Elliot, Colorado University Buff Gold Dance Team Member, and my vision truly came to life. The Sweethearts practice the most on that routine as we will feature it for the Homecoming Game, College Park Game, and Conroe Game.”
None of their elaborate dances would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all the dancers either.
“We have an extensive summer practice schedule,” Trotter said “Between June and the start of July, the girls attended various clinics, workshops, and dance camps to get dance hours and further their technique. Mid-July we come back up to school and begin learning choreography and practicing until the start of school. We joke that the drill team runs May to May because we truly are always getting ready for something.”
The Sweethearts have had years of success proceeding with them, but it is not possible without setting goals.
“My goal is to build better leaders on the team this year,” Trotter said. “We have nine new freshmen, so creating a strong team foundation this year will be impactful for years to come. I would love for the team to continue dancing as one unit, and we see the benefits of that as we compete for our 12th National Championship this spring.”
With the incoming freshman class being so large, many people have yet to experience the hype of Friday Night Lights.
“If I had to explain Friday night lights to a freshman I wouldn’t just describe it as an event but an experience you won’t forget,” junior Makayla Baird said. “It is a feeling and an amazing place to make memories with others.”
The meaning of Friday night lights is not lost to the veteran Sweethearts.
“They’re special to me because I have been doing this since middle school so it’s all I know,” senior Lily Cross said. “Football season is probably my favorite season just because I get to be there and be a part of it and I get to support our football team with my favorite girls all while making memories I will carry with me forever.”
The Sweethearts are never the first thing that comes to mind when someone says Friday night lights, but they are a huge part of it.
“Sweethearts give the crowd a boost of energy when we perform and it brings the morale up,” freshman Bailey McDonald said. “Supporting our football team alongside so many other organizations makes it feel like we are all a part of a family.”
