The Panther competitive cheer squad travels to state competition in Watertown, SD on Oct. 21. The competition is set to start at 5 p.m. on that Friday for Class A schools. The Class AA schools will compete on Saturday. Dakota Valley is slated to perform at 6:19 p.m. “We were state runner up last year and it would be incredible to continue to hold that title,” Cheer Coach Melanie Yakel stated. “We would ultimately be happy with a top four placement.” The Panther cheer squad consists of 9 students, which makes their squad unique and also smaller than most when it comes to competition. Members of the 2022 roster include: Olivia Scardino, Bailey Link, Madison Bell, Mia Lynch, Sunny Byington, Raelee Felix, Chloe Smith, Claire Kilcullen and Rachel Bryan. “The team’s biggest strength this year is their ability to overcome any obstacles in their way,” Yakel detailed. “We are tiny – but mighty – this year so any absence, illness or injury takes a large toll on our ability to practice efficiently. They have proven over and over again that they can handle that pressure. They are quick to pick up changes, they are willing to sub in for different positions when needed and continue to pour everything they have into every performance.”

The dance squad for Dakota Valley has high goals for their state contest in Watertown, SD Friday, Oct. 21. It is the hope of all that the Panthers will extend their consecutive state run of 1st place titles.

The Dakota Valley dance team travelled over 160 miles on Saturday, Oct. 15 to dominate and perform at the Black Panther Cheer and Dance Competition hosted by Platte- Geddes. First place honors were achieved for both of Dakota Valley’s routines in pom and jazz. These top finishes also crowned the talented dance squad as grand champions for the day.

The Panther competitive cheer squad brought home a 3rd place finish on Oct. 10 from the Bon Homme Invite. Dakota Valley battled through a teammate’s illness and adjustment to their routine to still score high and come away with a solid performance.

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Carter Langle was the lone Huskies to represent Elk Point-Jefferson at the State A Boys Golf Tournament in Aberdeen Oct. 3 and 4. Not only did Langle show up at state and garnish a 14th place finish, he also moved up in the Elk Point-Jefferson record books.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Husky football team added another win to their record overpowering Tri-Valley Mustangs Oct. 7 at home.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Husky volleyball team dominated the court this week in their match-ups between Viborg-Hurley Oct. 4 and Tri-Valley Oct. 7. The Huskies travelled to Viborg to take on the Cougars. The Cougars made the Huskies earn their win, by taking a set from them as the Huskies won 3-1: 20-25; 25-22; 25-16; 25-15. The offense was strong with the Huskies sending over 9 serve aces. The Huskies were led by Sophia Giorgio with 3 and Alyssa Chytka, Bentlee Kollbaum and Danica Torrez each with 2.

Even with the top boy runner in the Conference (Joe Cross) injured, the Huskies Cross Country team had a successful day in Elk Point Thursday, Oct. 6. Many runners achieved personal records on the perfect day for a meet.

The Panther volleyball team took their talent to Hull, IA for the Western Christian Volleyball Invite Saturday, Oct. 8. A full day of competitive games were had by the team who finished the day 3-1. “ A day of great competition, the Panthers ended up 3-1 losing to highly rated Denver whose record is 44-3,” Coach Mary Miller stated. “We finished first in our pool and lost in the quarterfinal round.” The first match of the invite had Dakota Valley facing off against Sioux City East in what was described as a “friendly rivalry” by coach Miller. The Black Raiders beat the Panthers last year, but there was no repeat for East as Dakota Valley was victorious in two sets 21-18 and 21-- 13. Sophomore Addie Kleis led in kills for this match with 7, while junior Sophie Tuttle added 6 and senior Jorja VanDenHul put down 5. Logan Miller dished out 23 assists and Kate VanRooyan had a good match from the serving line to record 2 aces.