Panthers place twice at Nationals

     It has been a winter of success stories for Monticello High School athletics, and the Panther dance team added to that list during the Dance Team Union (DTU) National Championships Feb. 16-18 in Kissimmee, Fla.

     The Panthers qualified for the national finals in two of their three events, and placed in both, taking third place in Small Varsity Jazz and fourth in Small Varsity Pom during the event, held at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.

     “This group of Panther dancers has a drive for hard work, and dedication to their craft,” Monticello coach Amanda Hackney said. “I just knew this would be the year to try and take this team to compete nationally. Each year they have become more focused and pushed harder.”

     During the Saturday of the event, Feb. 17, the Panthers learned they had qualified out of prelims into the finals in both Pom and Jazz.

     “So anything on top of that was just amazing,” Hackney said. “In state dance competitions that we go to, we get one chance to compete. At the national level, having the opportunity to move on, was just exhilarating.”

     In Jazz, the team cleared up some timing and technical issues in time for the finals.

     “In finals they blew me away with a team personal best,” the coach said. “As a coach, that’s all you ask for. Taking third in the nation for small-town Monticello is truly unbelievable.”

     In Pom, the Panthers again performed at their best in the finals.

     “Pom had so much energy, and they couldn’t get to the competition floor fast enough. Our performances in Pom at prelims and finals were team personal bests. They stepped up and rose to the occasion.”

     There was also a battle round in each category, in which judges pick four total Jazz routines out of the entire competition. Monticello’s was not one of the teams selected, but performed well.

     “Our Jazz scored so high in prelims that we beat out some pretty amazing teams,” Hackney said. “We got to take the floor with  a nationally-ranked team, Westmoore High School from Oklahoma.”

     The team also has three event state titles to its credit.

     “We had an amazing year,” the coach said.

     The team will need to replace four seniors.

     “In January we lost Paige Folken, as she graduated early,” Hackney said. “She still was a vital part of our team, helping prepare the girls for nationals.

     “Shelbie Reyhons, Melissa Davis and Kate Tuetken are truly going to be missed. Their work ethic and leadership got these Panthers to where they are today. Melissa and Kate are our team captains, and they put a lot into this program.”

     The coach said, however, that she is optimistic about next year.

     “We are very excited for next year,” Hackney said. “We have some great freshmen coming up. And we are excited to set our goals and keep our titles at State.”