Coached By Peers: Kickboxers Start Fresh

By Sami Richards
Pacific Index Story with video

The Kickboxers dance team is starting this basketball season off with a fresh outlook as a completely student-run club.

Last year's coach, Cassie Law, was unable to return due to health issues and the previous coach of almost eight years retired to start a family. As a result, the coaching responsibility has been left in the hands of returners, junior Kim O'Rourke and senior Brooke Arndt.

"I actually think the team is going to be better this year," said O'Rourke. "As individuals, no one is substantially more experienced which has turned out well because as a whole we look really good."

The team's almost three-minute routine, to be performed at the half times of the Saturday, Sept. 22 basketball games, according to O'Rourke, only took about one hour to learn for the unusually young team. Comprised of almost entirely new recruits, with just two returners other than the coaches, the Kickboxers have high hopes for a successful season.

"This is something just for fun," said O'Rourke, "I continuously remind everyone that we are here to make new friends and dance; it is a nice break from classes."

To keep a serious atmosphere though, the team had a full four days of tryouts and Professor Jeannine Chan will be serving as the teams advisor for the season, helping the group to remain recognized as a club on campus.

"It is not as much pressure without an official coach, which makes it a little easier to enjoy ourselves," said O'Rourke.