LINCOLN, NEBRASKA—Central College 's dance and cheer teams took top honors in all three categories it entered at the American Rivers Dance and Cheer Invitational Sunday at Nebraska Wesleyan University.
           
Central's dance squad won the Jazz Division for the second consecutive year with 268.5 points to outdistance Nebraska Wesleyan's 241. Coach Lexi Ghobo's squad also won the Pom Division with 258 points, ahead of second-place Simpson College's 251.5. Meanwhile Central took first in the Cheer-Game Day competition with 240.3 points, easily topping second place Loras College's 169.05. 
                         
"These students put in early hours of hard work and it showed at the competition," Gbogbo said. "The dancers and cheerleaders just shined today. I'm so proud of them and to represent the Dutch."
           
Dance team members include TiAhnna Bryant (junior, Donnellson), Paige Busick (junior, Pleasantville), Alysha Coyle (sophomore, Ankeny), Carin Corrick (senior, Fairfield), Jaida Houge (junior, Aurora), Tessa Huff (sophomore, Ames), Erica Langstraat (freshman, Pella) and Kami Sickels (sophomore, Des Moines).
           
Cheer team members include Lily Bennett (sophomore, Dallas), Kiara Bjornson (freshman, Oskaloosa), Austyn Hilton (freshman, West Des Moines), Madelyn Johnson (senior, Boone), Bella Laures (sophomore, Denver), Ashlea McConville (freshman, Ames), Lillie McKee (freshman, Mingo), Joslynn Moore (Corning), Megan Muur (junior, Morrison, Ill.), Amber Poole (sophomore, Ottumwa), Mackenzie Smith (freshman, Brooklyn), Quinn Thompson (freshman, Huxley) and Alyssa Volkers (freshman, Marengo)
           
"Their motions were super sharp, their stunts hit and they performed with an energy that really showcased how proud they are to represent the Central Dutch," said assistant coach Kirsten Overton.
           
Central will compete in the NDA/NCA (Natonal Dance Alliance/National Cheerleaders Association) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida April 5-10.