Titans shine at 2023 State Cheer and Dance ChampionshipsTitan Dance earns runner-up honors & Titan

The 2023 South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) state cheer and dance competition unfolded in all its splendor at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls this past weekend. On Friday, Oct. 20 the event kicked off with the Class A schools, showcasing the remarkable talents of students in the field of competitive dance and cheer.

In the highly competitive Class A cheer and dance divisions, Tea Area High School, emerged as the runner-up in both the competitive dance and cheer categories. Dakota Valley secured their 14th consecutive state championship in the dance category, while Sioux Valley triumphed for the 17th time in a row in the cheer division.

In the Dance competition, Dakota Valley scored 286 team points to win the Grand Champion. Tea Area earned 256 for second place. Gregory rounded out the top three with 233.25.

In the different categories, Tea Area claimed to honors in Hip Hop with a score of 253.

In the Cheer competition, Sioux Valley scored 249 team points to win the Grand Champion Cheer title. Tea Area earned 236 to capture second place. Winner rounded out the top three with 221.

Earning Athletic All State for Competitive Cheer was Tea Area’s Sarah Wilson.

Members of the Titans’ Competitive Dance team include: Leah Ackmann, Tessa Breck, Kyla Brown, Emersyn Cauwels, Kinsler Derry, Jenny Kloos, Jaydin Mitchell, Alaina Norris, Olivia Olawsky, Ella Rood, Breanne Semmler, Allyson Turek, and Jadyn Webster. The Dance team is coached by Head Jessica Nepodal. Members of the Titans’ Competitive Cheer team include: Leah Ackmann, Tessa Breck, Kyla Brown, Emersyn Cauwels, Adison Ernster, Jovie Evans, Kennedi Johannsen, Lillian Kaiser, Aubrey Mehlbrech, Logan Michalek, Jaydin Mitchell, Rease Moe, Addison Naser, Alaina Norris, Olivia Olawsky, Savannah Seidell, Breanne Semmler, Ramsey Stansbury, Allyson Turek, Jadyn Webster, and Sarah Wilson. The Cheer team is coached by Sarah Springman who is assisted by Katie Petersen.