Former CLHS dance team members having success at National level

by Michelle Watson

Iowa State Dance Team and Pom group has been selected to represent the United States as the U.S. Nationals Pom team at the 2022 ICU (International Cheer Union) World Championship.  Bella Clabaugh and Cale Schmitz, both 2021 graduates of Clear Lake High School and freshman members of the Iowa State Dance Team and Pom group are members of the ISU team. 

The 2022 ICU World Championship will be held April 20-22, at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. The competition will be streamed on the Olympic Channel.  Other Championship teams competing include Texas Tech University, Premier Jazz and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Premier Hip Hop.

USA Cheer is the organization that selected Iowa State University as the 2022 US National Pom team to represent the United States. ICU has recently been recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee).  The ICU and Cheerleading are now fully eligible to petition to be included in the Olympic Games and a variety of Olympic multi-sport games.  The recognition will help insure greater support and funding for cheerleading development.  

“We are very excited to be selected for the US National Premier Pom Team,” said Clabaugh.  “It is an honor to wear red, white, and blue and get to represent the United States at such an elite level. 

“We are raising funds to help cover some of our team costs for the ICU World Championships. Any support, as we take on the ICU World Championships, is greatly appreciated,” said Schmitz.

Clabaugh and Schmitz both have links available through givelively.org to raise funds to offset the cost of the trip.  

Clabaugh is the daughter of Casey and Amy Clabaugh, of Clear Lake.  Schmitz is the son of Dale and April Schmitz, of Clear Lake.