Mitchell High School’s cheer and dance squads claimed seven all-conference honors from the Eastern South Dakota Conference for the 2026 season, as announced on October 22. Four dancers and three cheerleaders from the Kernels earned all-ESD recognition, signalling strong performances across both squads.
The dance team’s honorees include juniors Theo Briggs, Kenzleigh Griffin, and Madi Moon, alongside senior Brooklyn Schlimgen. Briggs, Griffin, and Schlimgen received first-time all-ESD selections, while Moon, a junior, was an all-state pick last year from the South Dakota Dance Coaches Association before earning her first all-conference nod this season.
On the cheer side, sophomore Jozel Kok, eighth-grader Hannah Werkmeister, and senior Cetia Wright made the all-ESD team for the first time. The mix of underclassmen and upperclassmen among the cheer selections points to a blend of experience and emerging talent within the Mitchell program.
Both squads are set to compete at the Class AA state competition on October 24 at the Summit Arena in Rapid City. Their all-conference accolades add momentum heading into the tournament, where they will face the top teams from across South Dakota.
Mitchell’s dance team built on last year’s success with Moon’s all-state recognition, now expanding the group of standouts with three additional juniors and a senior gaining conference honors. This signals growing depth and consistency within the squad.
The cheer team’s selections highlight the rise of younger athletes, with an eighth-grader earning a spot alongside older teammates. Wright’s senior presence offers leadership as the team prepares for state-level competition.
The Eastern South Dakota Conference’s announcement reflects performances throughout the fall season, with coaches and officials selecting athletes based on their contributions during meets and games. These Kernels have demonstrated skill and dedication to earn this distinction in a competitive conference.
Mitchell’s presence at the state meet will test their ability to translate individual accolades into team success on a larger stage. The Summit Arena event will gather the state’s strongest cheer and dance teams, providing a platform for these all-conference athletes to compete among the best.
The Kernels’ seven all-ESD selections represent a significant portion of the conference’s honorees, underscoring the program’s standing in South Dakota high school cheer and dance. Their performances this weekend will offer an early gauge of how they measure up beyond regional competition.
According to Yahoo Sports.
