Photo by Addi Hindt, Addison Elizabeth Photography: Iowa Central's national championship team for the Dance Spirit Rally junior college division includes, front row (left to right): Miguel Calles, Desaray Cochran, Jazmin Williams, Kayla Keokham, Ann Cornell, Allee Schantz, Lanee Bickel and Maddie Utter. Middle: Grace Troyer, Ava Hultquist, Hannah Davies, Lili Dingman, Mylee Merritt, Seneca Freeze, Arri Jones and Malia Lansink. Back: Lorna Tucker, Renae Cowgill, Rellana Van Deuren, Gabby Kruger, Peyton Aleksiejczyk, Ava Dietrich and Leah Kalsem.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Iowa Central dance squad had been on the brink of a breakthrough since last securing a national title in 2021.

The Tritons stuck the landing at this year’s National Dance Alliance championships, capturing junior college gold in the Spirit Rally division. This marks just the second national crown in program history.

“After five years of being so close at nationals, we were bound and determined to accomplish our goal this year,” said ICCC head coach Cassidy Vermeer. “We knew from the very beginning that there was something special about the team we had. We had a ton of talent, grit, dedication and passion from day one.”

Iowa Central was in second place heading into the finals. The Tritons then saw everything come together both physically and mentally when it mattered most.

“We got up early that morning, scheduled a last-minute, final practice, changed a few things in our routine, then had a great visualization and inspirational team meeting to put our minds at ease and prepare for competition,” said Vermeer, a former Fort Dodge Senior High, Iowa Central and University of Northern Iowa team member. “Every single one of them had so much determination. The moment it was announced that we had jumped from second (place) to first is something we’ll never forget.

“It was pure joy, surprise and excitement. All the hard work had paid off, and we could finally breathe and just celebrate together as a team.”

The routine was performed by Tritons Peyton Aleksiejczyk, DeLanee Bickel, Desaray Cochran, Ann Cornell, Renae Cowgill, Hannah Davies, Ava Dietrich, Lilianna Dingman, Seneca Freeze, Ava Hultquist, Arrianna Jones, Leah Kalsem, Kayla Keokham, Gabrielle Kruger, Malia Lansink, Mylee Merritt, Allee Schantz, Grace Troyer, Lorna Tucker, Madeline Utter, Rellana Van Deuren, Jazmin Williams and Miguel Zapata Calles.

Vermeer was particularly proud of the fact that it took a true collective effort to come out on top.

“We had every single one of our dancers on the stage for that routine,” said Vermeer, who is in her 13th season at the helm. “They all deserved and earned that championship medal, jacket, trophy and ring.

“When we put our positive team culture as the main priority, it pays off in the end – especially knowing we have enjoyed the entire process together, win or lose.”

Assistant coach Stephanie Sibenaller noted “the Spirit Rally Division focuses primarily on school traditions and excellence in game-day (preparation).”

“We have an amazing game-day atmosphere at Iowa Central, and it was so rewarding to bring a piece of Triton Nation down to Daytona,” said Sibenaller, a South Central Calhoun graduate. “As a coach, the pride that I have (in them) is immense. I’m in awe of the hard work, dedication and commitment each of our dancers displayed.

“Everyone was on the stage and putting in the effort to make nationals a success. That’s exceedingly rare in the dance world. This group is truly exceptional in every way. We reiterate to our dancers that when they’re on that stage, they represent something larger than themselves. The fact that our whole team was able to take the stage at nationals and perform as one was an incredible experience. To see the unity, passion and love they have for the Iowa Central dance team is something I won’t soon forget.”

Iowa Central also earned a fourth-place finish nationally in the Junior College Pom competition.

In December, the Tritons secured first place in the Pom division for the 12th consecutive year at the Iowa State Dance and Drill Team Association Championships. Iowa Central also took top honors at the state level in Jazz for a third straight season, while capturing silver in Hip-Hop inside Wells Fargo Arena.

The Tritons were national champs in Junior College Hip Hop five years ago.