Saint Mary Dance Competes on National Stage for the First Time
YPSILANTI, Mich. – The University of Saint Mary (Kan.) dance team made their inaugural appearance at the 9th Annual Nfinity NAIA Competitive Dance National Championship this weekend. The national competition, hosted by the Ann Arbor Sports Commission at the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, Mich., featured twelve of the top dance programs in the NAIA.
In a historic moment for the program, the Saint Mary dancers took the floor, showcasing their hard work and dedication. Their performance marked a significant milestone, as this was the first time the University of Saint Mary has been represented at the NAIA Competitive Dance National Championship. The team concluded their national debut with a final score of 64.98, placing 12th in a highly competitive field.
The championship saw Midland (Neb.) capture their third Red Banner in program history with a winning score of 92.24. The competition was fierce, with St. Ambrose (Iowa) finishing a close second at 92.08 and Grand View (Iowa) taking third place with a score of 88.40.
While the Spires may have been making their first appearance, their presence on the national stage is a testament to the growth and development of the dance program at Saint Mary. They joined Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) as the only two teams making their debut at this year's championship. Notably, six teams have qualified for the championship in each of the nine years the NAIA has hosted the event, highlighting the consistent level of competition.
The University of Saint Mary community proudly recognizes the dedication and effort of their dance team in reaching the NAIA National Championship. This first appearance provides a valuable foundation for the program's future and marks an exciting step forward for Spires athletics.
Final Point Totals:
- Midland (Neb.) - 92.24
- St. Ambrose (Iowa) - 92.08
- Grand View (Iowa) - 88.40
- Oklahoma City - 83.48
- Viterbo (Wis.) - 82.23
- Doane (Neb.) - 78.63
- Baker (Kan.) - 76.71
- Concordia (Mich.) - 75.90
- Morningside (Iowa) - 75.88
- Aquinas (Mich.) - 74.40
- Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) - 69.09
- St. Mary (Kan.) - 64.98