Statesmen Open Season with Runner-Up Finishes at Mount Mercy

Cedar Rapids--The William Penn dance team got its competition schedule underway Sunday as it battled at the Mount Mercy Mustang Invitational.

The Statesmen placed second in each of the two separate competitions, recording a score of 81.96 in the opening round and 77.95 in the second.  Grand View swept the titles.

Competing team members included Elizabeth Blake (Fr., Litchfield Park, Ariz., Psychology), Jamison Coffey (Fr., Platteville, Wis., Entrepreneurship and Business Management), Kate Coley (Jr., Streator, Ill., Psychology), Kylie Coley (Jr., Streator, Ill., Business Management), Bianca Cooney (Sr., Little Rock, Ark., Psychology), Emily Garcia (Jr., Davenport, Iowa, Sports Management), Amerie Hemphill (Fr., Clinton, Ill., Kinesiology), and Payton Wiley (Fr., Douds, Iowa, Elementary Education).

"We had a lot of grit this weekend at our first competition of the season," Head Coach Abby Reynolds said.  "We overcame various obstacles, including injuries and illness, that led to last-minute routine changes that could have set us back.  Fortunately, we used that as motivation to push and give 160% out there."

"These were very strong performances for our first competition, and really made me proud," Reynolds added.  "Our team has something special and I am looking forward to how the rest of the season pans out.  Keep watching Statesmen Nation, we have more to show!"

Next Up: William Penn travels to Des Moines Sunday to compete in the Grand View Viking Challenge.