Panthers bring home three state titles

Published by admin on Wed, 12/10/2025 - 1:19pm

After team routines on Thursday, the Panthers took first in Jazz, first in Hip Hop and won the Distinguished Academic Award and the Be Bold Awards, which was given to the Panthers for the choreography and passion. Panther dancers include: front from left, Morgan Ward, Harper Hein, Cynthia Fernandez, Whitney Long and Bristol McElmeel; back row, coach Amanda Hackney, Jordyn Stoll, Stella McDermott, Kelsey Kremer, Isla Stoneking, Saige Freeze and coach Emma Brighton. (Contributed Photo)

After the Friday session, the Panthers won first place in the Pom category. Panther dancers include: front from left, Bristol McElmeel, Harper Hein, Cynthia Fernandez, Whitney Long and Morgan Ward; back row, coach Amanda Hackney, Stella McDermott, Saige Freeze, Kelsey Kremer, Isla Stoneking, Jordyn Stoll and coach Emma Brighton. (Contributed Photo)

Panther state soloists include: from left, Kelsey Kremer, Saige Freeze, Whitney Long and Morgan Ward. (Contributed Photo)
By: 
Kegan Arduser
Express Sports Editor

   In three team routines at the state dance championships, the Monticello High School dance team came away with three state titles.

   At the 2026 Iowa State Dance Championships, the Panthers brought home titles in Class III Jazz, Class IV Hip Hop and Class VII Pom.

   “I’m so proud of my Panther dance team,” coach Amanda Hackney said. “This is my 12th year coaching at Monticello, and we just earned our 15th state title. The last time we compete three routines and brought home the clean sweep was in 2017.”

   Performing their Jazz routine on Thursday morning, the Panthers tallied 375 points to beat Kuemper Catholic by two points.

   Alburnett finished third in Class III with 352 points, followed by Albia in fourth (350.5), OABCIG fifth (347), Western Christian sixth (344.5), Eagle Grove seventh (340), Tipton and Interstate 35 eighth (334.5), Treynor ninth (333) and Woodward-Grander 10th (332.5).

   The Panthers then competed in Hip Hop Class IV, taking first place with 362 points. New Hampton was runner-up with 355 points, followed by OABCIG in third (351.5), Missouri Valley fourth (342) and West Central Valley fifth (339).

   Western Christian took sixth (336), followed by Kuemper Catholic seventh (333.5), Albia eighth (331), Treynor ninth (325), North Fayette Valley 10th (320) and Union 11th (318).

   In Pom Class VII, the Panthers scored 352.5 points to edge out Iowa Falls-Alden by just a half point.

   Eagle Grove finished third with 349.5 points, followed by PCM Monroe fourth (346.5), Mediapolis fifth (335), Mid-Prairie sixth (332), Albia seventh (330), Spirit Lake eighth (325.5), Cherokee Washington ninth (317.5), North Fayette Valley 10th (317), West Liberty 11th (316.5) and Central Lee 12th (297.5).

   “This group is truly special,” Hackney added. “They trust each other, show up and they put in the work both in and out of practice, everything a could hope for. Last year we graduated four incredible seniors, so for a team as young as we are this season, their determination and drive were remarkable. I couldn’t be prouder of what they accomplished together.”

   Four Panther dancers also qualified as soloists.

   Morgan Ward finished fifth in her class, Whitney Long seventh, Kelsey Kremer eighth and Saige Freeze ninth.

   This year’s state dance championships marked 50 years for the Iowa State Dance/Drill Team Association. Celebrating 50 years, they showcased three sideline dances, that three Monticello dancers participated in. Dancing for Monticello included Skylar Freeze, Kenzie Babbe and Mallory Dwight.

Category:

Subscriber Login