Following the cancellation of Big Sky’s fall sports and other events this
semester, the Vandal Spirit Squad is adapting to the pandemic to continue
performances.
The squad is working with the University of Idaho to participate at events where they are able to maintain COVID-19 guidelines. As of now, Head Coach Katie Doman said the team still plans on performing for basketball games this semester.
Doman said the squad is performing at events as requested, including an upcoming residence hall event and performances related to homecoming.
As an alternative to in-person showings, the squad will also be doing some performances virtually.
“It’s a little different since we don’t have anyone to perform for right now,” Doman said. “But we’re keeping our fingers crossed for spring.”
Practices have been adjusted to follow university protocols for social
distancing and other precautions. The squad is also taking into account
protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Varsity Spirit, an organization for dance and cheer.
In addition to enforcing masks, precautions include monitoring for
symptoms, checking temperatures and breaking up practices into smaller groups.
At the squad’s main practice area, the Student Recreation Center, Doman
said cheer specific and dance specific practices are being held to help limit the number of people. Each smaller group has practice twice a week with a full program practice once a week.
Doman has been using cones to mark and maintain social distancing outdoors with the full practice group of roughly 30 students. Morning workouts are being replaced by online High Intensity Interval Training that can be completed at home.
“We feel that in place all of these protocols will help keep our athletes
safe, healthy and continue to progress our level of skill and fitness,” Spirit Squad Assistant Coach Morgan McGee said.
McGee said the coaching staff has created different practice plans to adapt as situations may change with COVID-19.
“Some of our roles as the Spirit Squad for the University of Idaho are to
motivate, inspire and entertain Vandal Fans at games and events,” McGee
said. “With Big Sky being postponed until spring we are definitely having to revamp and re-imagine how this is done.”
According to McGee, one way the squad is trying to stay engaged with
the community is through social media, with the team’s Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Doman wants to keep students’ health, both physical and mental, in
mind during a particularly stressful semester.
“We are trying to be as flexible and adaptable as possible,” Doman said. “To make sure we are keeping students safe and healthy, being understanding.”
Amid concerns due to the pandemic, Doman said she hopes to continue
providing members of the squad with the experience that gives them a break from their academics.
“My overall hope is just that students are enjoying themselves and have a
creative outlet,” Doman said. “The biggest thing is for us to give them that resource.”
Haadiya Tariq can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @haadiyatariq