Rodney Ellison

Growing up in Pontiac, Mich., just a few miles from the birthplace of Motown, Rodney used to love watching older relatives and friends dance to the sounds of soul at energized get-togethers.

"Then one high school party I was pushed into the dance circle. The only way out without losing cool points, aka swagger, was to dance my way out," he recalls. "Until that time, I was a wallflower. But after that, I never stopped dancing."

Considering his love of dance and his deep pride in graduating from Lakeland College – where he played football and ran track – it's no wonder Rodney jumped at the chance to perform in this year's Gala.

Enthusiastic and engaging, Rodney, a popular physical trainer at the Sports Core, smiles warmly when recalling the day a Lakeland representative asked him to dance.

"Oh man, I don't think she finished her sentence before I said 'Heck yes!' " Rodney says. "I was clapping my hands, I was so excited. I want to do something quick-paced, exciting. I like a lot of dance styles, but it's got to be high-octane."

A popular assistant football and track coach at Sheboygan North High School, Rodney says "working with kids is one of my favorite things in the world." That's a good thing, because he will soon have one of his own. His wife is expecting a baby girl in late February, and he can't wait to be a father.

"I get mushy just talking about it," he says. "I'm on Cloud Nine, Level 10, whatever you want to call it. I can't wait to figure out how many ways I can hold the baby and still play Xbox while her momma's asleep."

A huge smile follows. Oh yeah, Rodney's also got a great sense of humor.

RODNEY IS SPONSORED BY PLASTICS ENGINEERING COMPANY AND HAS CHOSEN SHEBOYGAN COUNTY CANCER CARE FUND AS THE RECIPIENT OF 50 PERCENT OF THE PROCEEDS RAISED THROUGH THE PURCHASE OF EXTRA VOTES ON HIS BEHALF.

HE WILL PERFORM A MAMBO ROUTINE WITH HIS DANCE PARTNER, SUZANA GOSSETT.