The Martanaires Make Their Debut

The Battle of the Beltway, otherwise known as the longstanding rivalry between the Memorial Mustangs and the Stratford Spartans, took place on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. While the rivalry game itself was the main focus of the evening, something unexpected happened during the half-time performance. The Memorial Markettes and the Stratford Spartanaires danced, for the first time, side-by-side and were introduced by the announcer as the Martanaires. The two groups performed a kick routine to Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline. 

Markette and Spartainaire Social Officers. Pictured are (top row, from left) London Keller, Jade Waldren, Susanna Teske, Maddie Klam, Hannah Timmreck, Maddie Dawson, Jessica Wright, Mary Grace McConn; (bottom row, from left): Carolina Rincon, Lauren Biar, Melonie Yue, Megan Benz, Caroline Lavern, Kate Miller

The week leading up to the historic half-time show was filled with long hours of individual team practices as well as early morning combination practices at Tully stadium. Both teams met for three days from 6:30-7:30 a.m. at Tully stadium to perfect their entrances, exits, and dance performance. 

Junior Amitis Malek said, “It was such a fun experience getting to go to Tully to practice with the Spartanaires; it was so different from anything we have ever done.”

Markette and Spartanaire rookies at morning practice at Tully. Pictured are (from left) Anna Claire Raymer, Lainie Hampton, Lynley Stewart, Elizabeth Jackson, Anna Graber, Kesteren Beck, Hanna Faridi, Maddie Olive, Caroline Stiles, Hailey Waitkus. (Photo: Megan Benz)

The positive reaction from the crowd made all the hard work worthwhile and there is already talk about another joint performance next year!