Dance at MM
Ryan Mitchell, MU Sports Information

Crusaders Become Co-WHAC Regular Season Champions

2/16/2026 10:06:00 AM

GRAND RAPIDS, MICH. -- Competing inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center in Grand Rapids, the Madonna Dance Team took the floor for WHAC #3 with confidence and determination as the conference season continues to intensify. Facing a deep and talented field, the Crusaders finished fifth out of seven teams with a score of 83.63.

The meet was tightly contested from top to bottom, with Aquinas College earning first place (89.88), followed by Siena Heights University (88.50) and Marian University (86.92). Saint Xavier University placed fourth (84.92), just ahead of Madonna. Rounding out the standings were Lourdes University (80.17) and Indiana Tech (78.96).

For Madonna, the routine showcased improved synchronization, sharper motions, and elevated performance quality as the team continues building toward the postseason. While the Crusaders narrowly missed moving up in the standings, the progress shown on the floor was evident. Every meet provides valuable feedback, and WHAC #3 served as another step forward in tightening execution and maximizing scoring potential.

With the conference race heating up, Madonna remains focused on refining details and bringing even more intensity to the next competition. The groundwork is there — now it's about putting together a complete performance when it matters most.

Saints Showdown
It was a full day of competition inside the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center in Grand Rapids as the Madonna Dance Team returned to the floor for the Saints Showdown. After competing earlier in WHAC #3, the Crusaders brought renewed energy and focus into their second performance of the day, finishing fifth out of seven teams with a score of 84.46.

The meet once again featured a tightly packed leaderboard. Aquinas College secured first place with an 89.79, followed closely by Siena Heights University (88.92) and Marian University (87.96). Saint Xavier University placed fourth at 87.00, just ahead of Madonna. Lourdes University (81.00) and Indiana Tech (79.29) rounded out the standings.

Despite the quick turnaround between competitions, Madonna delivered a stronger overall score than earlier in the day, showing growth in execution, energy, and overall performance quality. The team's resilience and conditioning were evident as they maintained sharp motions and confident projection deep into a long competition day. 

After this weekend, Aquinas and Madonna are Co-WHAC Regular Season Champions marking Madonna's first WHAC Regular Season Championship in program history! 

With postseason competition approaching, the Crusaders continue to trend upward. The Saints Showdown provided another valuable opportunity to fine-tune details, gain judges' feedback, and compete under pressure. Madonna leaves Grand Rapids motivated and focused, ready to elevate their performance in the final stretch of the season. Madonna will look to prepare for the WHAC Championship Competition hosted again by Aquinas at the Sturrus Sports & Fitness Center in Grand Rapids, MI. Madonna will look to snap Aquinas' championship streak of five years on March 6, 2026. 
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