William Penn Earns Pair of Titles in Season Opener at Mount Mercy

Cedar Rapids--The Statesmen cheerleading squad kicked off its competition schedule with a pair of crowns as it competed at the Mount Mercy Mustang Invitational Sunday.

WPU topped the three-team field in the first-round battle with a score of 81.58.  The navy and gold then captured the win in the second round with a score of 87.00.

Competing team members included Omar Anderson (Jr., Lawrenceville, Ga., Business Management), Jaden Creech (Jr., Bloomfield, Iowa, Exercise Science), Lexie Current (Sr., Gilman, Iowa, Nursing), Avree Ebelsheiser (Fr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Nursing), Addison Hanners (So., Stillman Valley, Ill., Nursing), Caleb Hunter (Jr., Davenport, Iowa, New Media), Emma Hynick (Sr., Monticello, Iowa, Human Services and Sociology), Madi Langenfeld (So., Oswego, Ill., Education), Bryar Lish (Fr., Glenpool, Okla., Education and English), Grace McCumber (Jr., Manitou Springs, Colo., Nursing), Olivia Muir (Jr., Oskaloosa, Iowa, Psychology and Sociology), Katie Newberry (Fr., West Burlington, Iowa, Biology), and Jennie Robison (So., Moravia, Iowa, Exercise Science).

"We showed a lot of grit this weekend," Head Coach Abby Reynolds said.  "We overcame various obstacles, including injuries and illness, that led to last-minute routine changes that could have set us back.  Fortunately, we used that as motivation to push and give 160% out there."

"These were very strong performances for our first competition, and really made me proud," Reynolds added.  "Our team is something special and I am looking forward to how the rest of the season pans out.  Keep watching Statesmen Nation, we have a lot more to show!"

Next Up: William Penn travels to Des Moines Sunday to compete in the Grand View Viking Challenge.