WINFIELD, Kan. — The Southwestern College Dance Team will open its 2026 competition season Friday, January 16th, at the Falcon's Invite, hosted by Friends University.

Southwestern is scheduled to perform at 5 p.m., the first team to take the floor. Awards are scheduled for 7:20 p.m.

The Moundbuilders will compete against Friends University, Kansas Wesleyan University, Bethel College, Baker University, the University of Saint Mary, Ottawa University and Oklahoma City University.

The competition marks the team's first of the season and the debut of a new routine choreographed by Gloria Castillo.

The team is led by captain Saherena Williams, who has provided leadership throughout preseason preparation. Williams has led practices and performances as the program prepares for its first competition of the year.

Friday's event also marks the first competition season for Coach Nate, who is in his first year as the program's dance coach. He said the team has shown steady progress after balancing competition training with supporting Southwestern football and basketball during the fall semester.

Coach Nate said the team will continue supporting winter and spring sports while competing throughout the season. The dance team will also perform its competition routine during halftime of the men's basketball home game Saturday, Jan. 17.

Head cheer and dance coach Alissa Sheppard said she is looking forward to the competition season and praised the work done during the preseason.

Sheppard said the team has made significant strides and credited the coaching staff and dancers for their preparation heading into the season opener.