INDIANOLA—Central College came away with the competitive dance overall title and a first-place division award in cheer at the American Rivers Dance and Cheer Invitational Sunday at Simpson College.
           
The conference competitive dance champion was determined by averaging scores from the pom and jazz routines. Central took first place in jazz for the third consecutive year with 76.83 points, with Nebraska Wesleyan University second with 71.83. Central was also first in hip-hop for the second year in a row with 77.50, followed by Simpson at 69.00. In pom Central was third with 78.17 as Nebraska Wesleyan prevailed with 80.17.
           
In the overall standings, Central topped the six-team field with 77.50, followed by Nebraska Wesleyan at 76.00, Simpson at 70.58, Coe College at 63.25, Buena Vista University at 62.50 and Wartburg College at 59.00.
           
Central won the only division it entered in the cheer competition, repeating as the game day division winner with 81.20, followed by Nebraska Wesleyan at 75.12. There was no overall champion determined in the cheer competition because no more than three schools participated in each division.
             
"The dance team put it all out on the floor today," coach Lexi Gbogbo said. "All of our hard work is showing in our scores. The other teams brought the heat today, but we stayed focused on our technique and crisp motions. We are so proud to represent the Dutch."
           
Dance team members include TiAhnna Bryant (senior, Donnellson), Paige Busick (senior, Pleasantville), Alysha Coyle (junior, Ankeny), Ellie Herdrich (freshman, Donnellson), Tessa Huff (junior, Ames), Jessie Pospisil (freshman, Cedar Rapids) and Kami Sickels (junior, Des Moines).
           
Cheer team members include Sydney Buseman (freshman, Hampton), Madison Craig (freshman, Solon), Ashlee Freymark (freshman, Marion), Austyn Hilton (sophomore, West Des Moines), Bella Laures (junior, Denver), Lillie McKee (sophomore, Mingo), Joslynn Moore (sophomore, Corning), Averi Shride (freshman, Burlington), Haley Wallin (freshman, Northwood), Maggie Williams (freshman, Newton), and Bella Van Gorp.
 
 "I'm very proud of the hard work that the cheer team put in in preparation of this competition," assistant coach Kirsten Overton said. "Taking home the game day division title two years in a row is a great accomplishment."

Central will compete in the NDA/NCA (National Dance Alliance/National Cheerleaders Association) College Nationals in Daytona Beach, Florida April 4-9.