STORM LAKE, Iowa - The Nebraska Wesleyan University cheer and dance teams brought their A-game to the 2025 American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) Championships, hosted by Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Competing against some of the conference's top programs, the Prairie Wolves delivered strong performances across multiple divisions, showcasing their growth and determination under second-year head coach Becky Spataro.
In the Competitive Dance portion, Nebraska Wesleyan continued to prove its consistency as one of the A-R-C's premier programs. The Prairie Wolves secured a fourth-place finish in the Hip-Hop division, narrowly edged out by Buena Vista University and Wartburg College. Central College, the three-time defending champions, claimed the top spot.
The Pom division saw NWU finish fourth once again. Central College won the category.
The highlight of the day came in the Jazz division, where the Prairie Wolves earned a second-place finish. Their routine, a blend of technical skill and artistic expression, earned praise from judges and fans. Central College took first, but NWU's performance solidified their standing as a force in the conference.
On the Competitive Cheer side, Nebraska Wesleyan made waves in the Game Day division, finishing second. Central College claimed the top spot, but the Prairie Wolves' spirited routine, led by seniors Isabella Fauver and Anna Schmid, demonstrated their ability to energize a crowd.
COMMENTS FROM HEAD COACH BECKY SPATARO
"The routines today were performed beyond my expectations and were performed with such athleticism, confidence, and class! To say I am proud is an understatement. Cheers to an amazing season!"
UP NEXT
The A-R-C Championships mark the conclusion of the 2024-25 competitive season for Nebraska Wesleyan cheer and dance. With a strong foundation in place, the Prairie Wolves will now turn their attention to offseason training and preparation for next year's campaign.