Yarkosky Earns All-America Status at NAIA Midwest Invitational

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–William Penn University had the pleasure of hosting the NAIA Midwest Cheer and Dance Invitational last Saturday.

Over 200 spectators cheered on 11 teams from within the region.

Programs battled in four divisions, including All-Women Cheer, Small Coed Cheer, Small Dance, and Large Dance.

Missouri Baptist won the All-Women Cheer title and received a Silver Paid Bid to the NCA/NDA NAIA College Nationals this spring. Doane (Neb.) was second, while Grand View placed third.

St. Ambrose claimed the Small Coed crown and collected a Bronze Paid Bid, while Midland (Neb.) was second and also left with a Bronze Paid Bid.

The Small Dance trophy went to Midland (Silver Paid Bid). Concordia (Neb.) was second with a Bronze Paid Bid and William Penn was third.

St. Ambrose won its second title by winning the Large Dance division (Silver Paid Bid). Grand View and Doane were second and third, respectively, and both garnered Bronze Paid Bids.

All-America competitions were also held for both cheer and dance.

St. Ambrose cheerleaders Kayla Crocker and Alyssa Borowczyk were honored for their performances.

A total of seven dancers were also honored, including William Penn’s own Lainee Yarkosky (So., Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa HS).

Other recipients included Becky White, Sara Malicoat, and KK Kennedy of Grand View and Katie Arp, Heather Sturtz, and Miranda McKenna of St. Ambrose.