On Saturday Morehead State beat Belmont by 15 PTS in the OVC tourney title game to earn an automatic bid to next week’s NCAA tournament. The Eagles lost 19 games last year but bounced back this year to claim the school’s 1st NCAA tourney bid in a decade. In addition to shining a light on the players who got the job done on the court, it is also important to recognize the spirited students who have worked just as hard on the sidelines, such as band members/cheerleaders/dancers. Earlier this week HoopsHD’s Jon Teitel got to speak with Cali Clark Blevins about preparing for med school and not being able to join the basketball team in Indianapolis this week.
You grew up in Kentucky: what made you choose Morehead State? I chose Morehead State because I received the Honors scholarship to come here. I also really liked the campus and the neuroscience program.
You joined the dance team as a freshman, which was also Shanna Coleman’s 1st year as coach: how close have you 2 become over the past 4 years? I think we have become pretty close over the past 4 years. Shanna is definitely the best coach I have ever had out of all the teams I have been on. I see Shanna as my coach, friend, and role model!
What does your team do at basketball games during a normal year? Usually we would dance on the sidelines, perform during a routine during timeouts, and perform the fight song on the court. This year we danced in the stands, which I actually liked a lot because I felt like we could engage with the crowd more.
What do you think the role of a college dance team is today, and how has it changed over time? The dance team at Morehead State used to be a student group until it was moved under Athletics about 6 years ago. Back then the dance team’s role was to do some sideline dances/routines at basketball and football games. Since Shanna has become the coach we have a greater presence at games and do timeout performances. We also participate in promotions, community service, and events both on and off campus.
How do you like basketball, and is that your favorite sport? I love watching basketball and it is definitely my favorite sport to dance at! This year it was especially great to see how far our basketball team has come and how well they play together as a team.
You have a 4.0 GPA in the honors program: how do you balance your work as a dancer with your work in the classroom? Dance helps motivate me to get my homework done and gives me a nice break because dancing is so fun.
You are a senior and will attend medical school this fall: why did you choose medicine, and what is the long-term plan? I chose medicine because I want to help people with neurodegenerative diseases. My long-term plan is to become a geriatric neurologist and open up my own practice.
Last Saturday the Eagles had a 15-PT win over Belmont in the OVC tourney title game: how excited is the student body about winning a championship, and how big a deal is the team now after 4 straight losing seasons? Students are very excited/proud of the team for winning the OVC tournament. This is a super-big deal in our small town and everyone is excited to watch them play in the NCAA tournament!
Due to COVID you will not be traveling with the team to Indianapolis this week: how frustrating is it to be a dancer for a great basketball team during a pandemic? It is pretty frustrating that we will not get to go to Indianapolis, especially because it is my senior year, but we will still be cheering on the Eagles from home.
You are playing West Virginia on Friday: any predictions? I think the Eagles will play their best and it will be a great game to watch!