Sugg earns spot on Oregon State’s dance team 

The senior and former all-state recipient and state champion, now will get her chance to shine at Oregon State University as a dance team member on the cheerleading team.

“I can’t wait to start this new journey in my life,” Sugg said. “I’m really looking forward to continuing dance and can’t wait to see what OSU has to offer. I can’t wait to start school in the fall.”

This week, Sugg and 50 other girls from across the state tried out for a spot on the dance team.

In front of a discerning panel of judges at a two-day tryout session on Wednesday and Thursday at Gill Coliseum in Corvallis earlier this week, Sugg had to overcome the nerves to see where her fate would lead.

With weeks of preparation time beforehand and rigorous tryouts, Sugg cruised through her sideline dance routine, learned the OSU fight song, crushed her original dance medley and worked past several technical and strength tests to survive an opening day cut.

On the second day, she performed a sideline dance, worked on technique and a longer dance portion with 14 other remaining finalists, before waiting nearly two hours until the teams were announced.

She heard those fateful words and now will start attending classes in the fall, where she plans to major in merchandising management.

Taylor’s older sister and coach Kelsey had the chance to play the role as teacher in Taylor’s final year in high school, and she was more impressed every time she stepped on the floor.

“I have loved watching my sister turn into such an amazing talented and beautiful dancer, and couldn't be more thrilled that she will be dancing at OSU next year,” Kelsey said. “There were a lot of talented girls at tryouts, and Tay is extremely honored to have been chosen to be selected for the team. I am going to miss her so much and I can’t wait to go to every game to cheer her on.”

Time has definitely flown by for her mother, Amy, but it has been a rewarding ride from youth gymnastics, countless dance classes and recitals, and everything else in between.

Now, her baby is all grown up.

“Watching Taylor perform has always brought us so much joy,” Amy said. “She is so fortunate to have supportive, loving, dedicated coaches and family. Taylor has been blessed with a full senior year, we will miss her, but look forward to this new adventure at OSU.”

In being a successful cheer and dance team member at The Dalles, there are hours, days and years dedicated to the craft. Add to that, time spent in classes and gym time, while balancing school work and extra-curricular activities, it can be difficult for some to find a fruitful balance.

Taylor has been able to succeed in that regard, helping the Riverhawk Dance team to a state championship in 2015, and the cheer team squad to second place earlier this spring.

Last October, Taylor placed seventh overall, earning a spot as a member of the 2015 Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Association All State Individual team.

Former coach Kristi Maley is confident Taylor will do great things while in Corvallis.

“Taylor is one of the best dancers I have ever taught,” Maley said. “She has the talent, work ethic, leadership and is an all-around outstanding person. Taylor has accomplished so much in her high school career and I’m excited to see what her future holds. Taylor will really be missed next year and she will be so hard to replace.”