Panthers shine at State despite restrictions

     Having to compete virtually didn’t faze the Monticello High School dance team in Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association (ISDTA) state competition.

     The Panthers were unable to attend live for the event, held Nov. 17-19 at Wells Fargo Arena and HyVee Hall in Des Moines, so Monticello submitted videos virtually due to COVID-19 restrictions, recording them Nov. 16 at MHS. As a result, they missed seven additional practices they were supposed to have before State.

     Despite that, Monticello earned three state placings, including a state title in its class; and two individual solo placings in the event.

     “I was very proud of how the girls handled this situation with such grace,” coach Amanda Hackney said.

     The ISDTA held its awards ceremony virtually Dec. 5, which was when the Panthers learned of their awards.

     From a team standpoint, Monticello won the Class 1 state title in the Lyrical category, followed by Kuemper Catholic of Carroll, Tipton, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, and Belleve.

     In Class 2 Contemporary, the Panthers were third, behind Ballard and Centerville and ahead of Sergeant Bluff-Luton and Center Point-Urbana.

     In Class 8 Pom, Monticello was fourth. Clear Lake, Algona and Iowa Falls-Alden were the top three, and Vinton-Shellsburg was fifth.

     Individually, Kelsey Adams finished seventh and Kendra Davis ninth in Class V solos. All seven Panther dancers received Division I ratings. Included were seniors Ally Bartachek and Sydney Freeze, juniors Kelsey Adams, and Allie Riches, sophomore Claire Tuetken, and freshmen Kendra Davis and Kaylin Noll.

     Also, the Panthers received a Distinguished Academic Award.

     “My two senior captains, Ally Bartachek and Sydney Freeze, are true born leaders, and I am going to miss them,” Hackney said. “I’m so proud of this team’s dedication and ability to handle anything that is thrown at them.”