Although it was their first year to compete as a team in an outside competition, the Sam Rayburn Tex-Anns showed no signs of being first-timers at the recent MA Regional Dance Competition as they walked away with 13 awards.

As a team, the Tex-Anns won the Super Sweepstakes trophy in the large high school team category, which is the highest award. They also received plaques for their choreography in their modern, pom and hip hop routines.

The dance officers also competed in their division receiving the Super Sweepstakes trophy in addition to choreography plaques for their jazz, modern and lyrical dances. The Hip Hop and Jazz companies received first and second runner up respectively in the large ensemble category, and dance Capt. Kelsey Moore and 1st Lt. Monique Martinez received second runner up for their duet. All six soloists who competed received Division I ratings.

According to dance instructor Jennifer Williams, the team was two points away from winning the Winners Circle award, which is the top overall award.

“It’s very rare to be this close to winning it all for a first year competing team,” Williams said. “For their first time they did excellent. They put so many hours of practice into their routines as well as their heart and soul, which helped them succeed. I’m so proud of them.”

Williams said she decided to take the team to competition because she knew it would be a good experience for them.

“Preparing for and going to competition is a team building experience for the girls, and it teaches them the value of hard work,” she said. “Outside competitions allow the girls to experience the variety there is in the dance world. And it’s important to compete as a team because they accomplish their goals as a team and not just as individuals, which in turn strengthens our program.”

Williams wasn’t the only one excited about going to competition. The dance team members have been looking forward to it all year.

“It is an amazing experience for the whole team to compete,” said Senior Lieutenant Anna Rodriguez. “I wish we could have experienced this before. It was exciting, nerve racking and painful all at the same time, but in the end, it was all worth it.”

The Tex-Anns began preparation for the competition in November and the months since consisted of long hours, hard work and dedication from the members.

“To prepare for competition, the entire team has to be all in,” Williams said. “They have to be completely focused and dedicated to working hard and putting in the extra time and effort. They have to stay motivated and positive. My girls did that, which is why they came away winners. Their hard work paid off.”

The team will also compete against four other teams in the Champion Tours and Events National Competition at the College of Staten Island in New York, Ny. from March 8-11.

Funds for both competitions were raised by the team through various activities.

“Winning at the regional competition was an overwhelming, emotional and exciting experience for me,” Williams said. “We knew we would win, but we never expected to win this big. To watch my girls experience winning as a team for the first time and to see their faces was the best moment of the year. Their confidence has shot through the roof, and they are pumped and ready to go for our New York National Competition. We can’t wait.”