Dancers Second, Cheerleaders Sixth at Regionals

William Penn University Athletics

Belleville, Ill.–The William Penn Competitive Dance and Cheer teams had mixed results as they competed at the NAIA Midwest Regional Saturday.

The dance crew finished second out of four teams with a score of 97.97 points, while host Lindenwood-Belleville took the title and the automatic berth to nationals with 99.49 points.

The Statesmen cheer team was sixth out of seven squads with 70.45 points; Martin Methodist (Tenn.) won the crown with 86.92 points.

The dancers may still receive an at-large bid as the NAIA will hand out them out at the conclusion of all the regionals to the six highest-runner-up finishers (based on score).

“We are very proud of both teams staying focused and motivated during their long season,” Dance Coach Lainee Yarkosky said. “The knowledge and experience we gain each year makes us all better athletes and coaches. We look forward to see how the NAIA continues to develop our emerging sports.”