Bethel dance team climbs to third at Thresher Invitational
Threshers finish third after strong second-round performance at home meet
On Saturday, the Bethel dance team hosted the 2026 edition of the annual Thresher Invitational in Thresher Gym. The team improved its score from round one to round two during the competition. This year, the cheer team did not compete due to low numbers.
The competition was set and started on Saturday afternoon. The dance portion was second, as nine teams were competing. Bethel’s dance team was coming out of a fifth-place finish at the Coyote Classic earlier this season.
“Our strive and dedication to improve as a team is what’s helping us to keep getting better! We put in the work, and we all just really want to be better.” Said Mateya McCord from Newton, “I also feel like everyone on the team is getting closer, and when there’s a real connection with teammates, you will ultimately perform better.”
The scoring for dance is based on 11 different categories that must be completed. Bethel would be the second dance team to perform in the afternoon. The dancers would perform their routine once, in the afternoon. The dance team would end round one with a score of 79.41 and would help them place fifth.
“The difference this year is we are becoming more confident as a team, the skill level of the team as a whole has also increased, and they are all improving on skills and the small details it takes to stay competitive.” Said head coach Kiley McCord, “We also were able to add a few more skills in our performance from the first comp to the second and will continue to get those even more precise.”
In round two of the dance side of the competition, seven teams were competing. Bethel would be looking to build on their earlier performance. The dancers would perform their routine once again and would hope for it to be good enough to improve their score. The dance team would end the day with a score of 80.20, which would help them place third.
“Going through those tough times made me appreciate dance even more. The best part is my relationships I’ve built and the growth I’ve experienced, not just as an athlete but as the person I’m becoming. Dance gave me my family and taught me to be resilient.” Said senior Daysharia Wilkes from St. Louis, Mo., reflecting on a four-year dance career at Bethel.