Lynx cheer looks to defend state championship title
By:
Jamie Hult, Staff writer
Members of the 2017 Lady Lynx competitive cheer team are (front, from left) Halayna Hendrick, Makenzie Smith, Rebecca Sissoko, Courtney Martens, (middle) Ashley Linn, Ashlie Lohr, Rylea Webb, Madison Nolz, Josie Bowers, Lexi Severson, Ryea Larson, Anna Nuss, Sydney Hayes, Lauren Ruhlman, (back) Abbi Rusten, Grace Hansen, Kendra Wannarka, Bailey Harvey, Brittney Reiter, Shanley Zahn, Amari Allen and Aubree Andrews. Not pictured: Shelby Linn, Jennica Pitts. Jill Meier/BV Journal
The Lady Lynx competitive cheer team is hoping to claim another state title this fall.
Brandon Valley won the championship in 2016, and coach Katee Lane thinks the team can do it again.
“The goal is always to show improvement from the start of the season to the finish. We are starting with a great deal of inexperience; however, these girls have already shown tremendous growth from the start of the summer,” Lane said. “If we can keep motivated and show growth, the goal is to bring home another state championship.”
The Lady Lynx finished in the top three at most competitions last fall and took the Eastern South Dakota Conference championship.
“There are many teams that consistently produce strong teams,” Lane said. “Watertown, Roosevelt, Washington and O’Gorman are always tough to beat. We have high expectations to be among the top teams again this year, which will come with a lot of hard work.”
Brandon Valley has 14 returning letter-winners on its 24-member competitive cheer team. The Lynx are led by team captain Shanley Zahn and Lane, who is in her sixth year of coaching Brandon Valley competitive cheer.
“We lose key athletes every year,” Lane said. “Luckily our team has athletes that are willing to step into new roles and do what is best for the team to fill the voids each year. We have a significant number of freshmen this year, so it has been increasingly important for our junior and senior leaders to help mold the team.”
The team’s first competition of the season is Aug. 29 at Watertown. State championships are Oct. 21 at Rapid City.
