Statesmen Finish Sixth at Heart Competition

Baldwin City, Kan.--The William Penn dance team faced off against the rest of the league Saturday as it competed at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship.

WPU placed sixth out of seven programs with a final round score of 71.11 points (71.27 in the prelims).  Grand View won the team crown with 85.49 points.

Team members included Jili Butler (So., Ottumwa, Iowa), Taegin Butler (Sr., Ottumwa, Iowa), Kyah Chamberlin (Fr., Oskaloosa, Iowa), Kate Coley (Fr., Streator, Ill.), Kylie Coley (Fr., Streator, Ill.), Bianca Cooney (So., Little Rock, Ark.), Emily Garcia (Fr., Davenport, Iowa), Abby Nelson (Sr., Belmond, Iowa), Natalie Redlinger (Jr., Sigourney, Iowa), and A'niyah Thomas (Sr., Inner Grove Heights, Minn.).

"This team is so special," Head Coach Abby Reynolds said.  "Conference scoring was not in our favor, but the passion, determination, and selflessness they put out on the floor today made me so proud as a coach.  We have had a lot of momentum this season and really showing who WPU Dance is.  I am excited to use that momentum to go into regionals next weekend.  This team is really setting the bar for the rest of our season and what is to come for this program."

The all-Heart teams were announced and Kate Coley earned honorable-mention all-Heart recognition.

Bryce Clausen of Graceland was named Dancer of the Year, while Grand View's Kelsey Nichols was chosen as Coach of the Year by her peers.

Next Up: William Penn returns to Baldwin City, Kan. next Saturday to compete in NAIA Regionals.