A pair of Cowley alums earn spots on the IncrediBulls stunt and cheer team
Cowley College alums and members of the Tiger Spirit Squad, Elise LeGrand and Zarek Burkert, recently earned a spot on the IncrediBulls stunt and cheer team after placing in the top four at open auditions and completing training camp.
The IncrediBulls are a high-energy stunt and cheer team under Chicago Bulls Entertainment that performs at the United Center. They bring crowd-pumping athleticism to the court. The squad features tumbling, stunting, and dynamic dance routines. They have a reputation for recruiting elite, high-flying talent. Tryouts generally span from open gyms and workshops to semi-finals and final auditions.
LeGrand and Burkert were members of the Cowley College cheer team during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons. LeGrand is a 2020 Wellington High School graduate, while Burkert graduated from Blackwell (OK) High School.
At Cowley, the duo helped the Tigerette cheer and dance teams to region titles and national tournament appearances each of their two seasons. LeGrand was voted Most Spirited and Best Performer on the cheer team, and voted Best Showmanship and Best Performer on the Tigerette dance team. She was named Cowley College Co-Athlete of the Month in March 2022.
Burkert was a standout member of the Cowley Coed Cheer Team, earning the respect of teammates and coaches through his athleticism, determination, and relentless pursuit of improvement. His leadership and commitment helped elevate the program and left a lasting legacy. He was also voted Best Technique on the squad.
LeGrand and Burkert went on to serve as Cheer Team captains at Wichita State University and helped lead the Shockers to the National Championship in Intermediate Large Coed Division I.
Cowley College head cheer and dance coach Holli Gurnee expressed pride in seeing both alumni reach the professional level.
"Watching Elise and Zarek continue to chase their dreams is incredibly rewarding," Gurnee said. "They both poured their hearts into this program, embraced every challenge, and never stopped working to become better athletes and better people. Their success reflects the dedication they've shown over the years, and we couldn't be prouder to see them representing Cowley on a professional stage. They will always be part of our Tiger family."
Tiger assistant cheer coach Brandon Burke echoed those sentiments.
"Elise and Zarek have always been willing to put in the work and push themselves to be better," Burke said. "Seeing them earn spots with the Chicago IncrediBulls is a well-deserved accomplishment, and we're incredibly proud of everything they've achieved. They represented Cowley with pride, and we know they'll do the same at the professional level."