Sensations third at conference meet
The Canby/Minneota Sensations dance team placed third in both Kick and Jazz at Camden Conference meet Friday in Granite Falls. Merissa Traen and Stephanie Birk were both honored with Kick and Jazz All-Conference awards.
To date, the Sensations have previously competed at RCW, Waconia, Dawson, Rocori and MACCRAY this season. In the Camden Conference meet in Clara City last week, the Sensations placed second in Kick and Jazz, while the JV teams also placed second in each routine.
The Sensations host a meet Jan. 31 in Canby with Lac qui Parle/Dawson-Boyd, MACCRAY, Renville County West, Tracy-Milroy-Balaton and Worthington as the participating squads. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with competition beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Section 3A meet will be held Feb. 8 in Montevideo. "Section 3A is extremely difficult," said Coach Jordyn Stutelberg, who is in her fifth season as head coach. "Last season, we had the top two teams in the state (Montevideo and BOLD) in our section.
They also have done well at state in past years." Section 3A advances three teams in Kick and four in Jazz to the state meet. Canby/Minneota did not qualify for state a year ago, but Stutelberg likes their chances this season.
"It's a tough section, but we've got two great routines and really hard-working girls," said Stutelberg, who teaches second grade in Madison. "Anything is possible. It's definitely possible that we make history for our team at sectionals this year."
CANBY/MINNEOTA ROSTER:
Seniors: Stephanie Birk (captain), Natalie Bot, Elle Pieper, Merissa Traen (captain), Madison Scholten (manager).
Juniors: Johanna Heinrich, Isabelle Kimpe, Cassidy Skogen, Jada Sterzinger, Abby Theisen.
Sophomores: Natalie Bach, Krystal Eischens, Norah Fadness, Lauren Olson.
Freshmen: Bianca Elsing, Kaitlyn Ludwikowski, Emma Vernlund, Paige Viessman.
Eighth grade: Brooklyn Kindopp, Isabel Thompson, Gabby Verhelst.
Coaches: Jordyn Stutelberg (head coach), Maddy Sagedahl (JV Jazz and Kick), Taylor Campbell (varsity Jazz).
Photo: Members of the Canby/Minneota Sensations include: (front row, left to right) Elle Pieper, Merissa Traen, Stephanie Birk and Natalie Bot. Middle Row: Johanna Heinrich, Lauren Olson, Jada Sterzinger, Krystal Eischens, Isabelle Kimpe, Cassidy Skogen and Abby Theisen. Back Row: Student Manager Madison Scholten, Isabel Thompson, Kaitlyn Ludwikowski, Natalie Bach, Norah Fadness, Brooklyn Kindopp, Paige Viessman, Gabby Verhelst, Emma Vernlund and Bianca Elsing. Special photo.