As I was driving along highway 212 between Dawson and Montevideo Saturday morning I noticed some handmade black and red signs along the road with girls names on them. I smiled knowing what they were. They were for the Shadows, the dance team from LQPV and Dawson-Boyd competing at the section dance competition in Montevideo.

I started to think about how many section dance competitions in Montevideo I have attended over the years. My daughter Brianna graduated in 2004 and she was a Shadow, so I started broadcasting section dance then and have continued for over 20 years going to Montevideo the first part of February. I don’t think I have missed section dance in over 20 some years. With the success of the Shadows I am usually sitting in Target Center for state the following weekend.

Section dance is one of my favorite sporting events to cover. I don’t mean to brag about this, but I can’t for the life of me understand why there aren’t more radio stations covering dance. I know it’s not like broadcasting a football or basketball game and doing play by play but you can do so much more when covering dance. Give the dancers some air time and recognition and do lots of interviews with coaches, dancers and parents. I have been blessed over the years to have some great people join me on the broadcasts. The last few years have been amazing working with Ken Franzky a long time dance dad and Grace Johnson a 6 time state champion with the Shadows. These two were made for ESPN! They are absolutely the best radio commentators. They both prepare for the competitions by doing their homework on all the teams. About a month ago Grace was already texting me with stats for the Shadows and also some history on the Shadows, YME and Montevideo teams. They speak so well of people and are excited to broadcast dance. I can”t say enough about Grace and Ken.

Grace is also a coach for the Hawley Dance Team. They also made it to state again so she won’t be able to be on the air with me much at state. So Dee Dee Schommer is stepping in and Dee has done a wonderful job in the past. She is a former dance mom and has such a passion for dance. We have a great time broadcasting together!

I was also excited for the Canby/Minneota Sensations they placed 4th in High Kick the highest they have ever scored at sections. Coach Shauna Jo and Avery are doing a great job and growing that program.

Saturday was another fun day. Section 3A dance is the toughest section in the state. YME, LQPV/D/B and Montevideo all qualified for state in Jazz and High Kick. See you all at Target Center Friday and Saturday.