Mustangs fourth at conference, Kass named Coach of the Year

MARSHALL, Mo. - The Mount Mercy dance team posted their second highest score of the season, for a fourth place finish at the Heart of America Athletic Conference Championships hosted by Missouri Valley on Saturday at the Burns Activity Center. 

The Mustangs improved their score by five points from the preliminary round (78.2) to the final round (83.23), for an overall score of 81.97 points. Baker (Kan.) took home the title with an 89.48, Grand View was second (87.84), Benedictine (Kan.) was third (84.99), Mount Mercy was fourth, and Missouri Valley rounded out the top five (79.95). 

Mount Mercy has finished no lower than fourth place in any competition this year, earning Coach Taylor Kass the Heart Dance Coach of the Year award, in just her second season. Six Mustangs also earned all-conference honors. 

First Team All-Conference: Emma Upah

Second Team All-Conference: Claire Jones, Olivia Wessel

Honorable Mention All-Conference: Maycee Cline, Brianna Cross, Chelsey Heisdorffer

Head Spirit Squad Coach Michaela Davis had this to say about her team's performance, "I'm extremely proud that all our athletes who auditioned for all-conference received an accolade. We are excited to see dance's competitive journey continue at regionals. Lastly, Coach Taylor is so deserving of the 2023 Heart Coach of the Year and we are glad the NAIA Heart dance coaches who voted, agreed."

The Mustangs will compete at Regionals next Saturday, Feb. 25 at Baker in Baldwin City, Kan. for a chance to qualify for the NAIA National Championships March 10-11 in Ypsilanti, Mich.