Coyotes earn 10th place at national event

In their first year at the Division I level, the University of South Dakota U. Dance team placed 10 out of 12 teams on April 7 at the National Cheerleaders Association/National Dance Alliance Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championships in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Towson University eventually went on to win the Division I championship, beating Utah Valley University by three-tenths of a point.

Because the team didn’t reach the final round, the women also competed in the Division I Challenge Cup, where they placed fifth out of six teams.

“Out of 12 teams competing in the division, the judges choose the top six,” freshman dancer Lauren Casey said. “The other six teams compete for the seventh and final spot in the finals. The winner of the final spot is considered the winner of the Challenge Cup.”

Boston University claimed the Division I Challenge Cup title and the final spot in the Division I final round.

Casey said she was happy with how the team did overall.

“I kind of expected us to do that way,” Casey said. “I thought we had a good turnout. It was exciting to watch all of the different teams compete. It was a great learning experience for all of us.”

Sophomore Bekah Rinehart said the level of competition at the event was unbelievable.

“There were girls doing stunts I never thought were possible,” Rinehart said. “It was amazing to see how good the top D-I teams are. Hopefully, USD can reach that level in the upcoming years.”

Junior Kara Wevik said it was nice to take a break from school, even though they were busy competing.

The national competition is the largest cheer and dance event in the world, with more than 5,000 student-athletes competing every year.

Reach reporter Kayla Prasek at [email protected].