Story by Chad Waller, Director of Athletic Communications & Media

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Missouri Valley’s Tori Cox was named the 2017-18 NAIA Competitive Cheer Coach of the Year and Angie Heath of Siena Heights (Mich.) and Danelle Langeneckert of St. Ambrose (Iowa) shared the 2017-18 NAIA Competitive Dance Coach of the Year honors, announced by the national office Thursday.

Cox led the Vikings to their first-ever national championship title in the sport of competitive cheer in Oklahoma City, Okla. The team defeated the host and defending national champion Oklahoma City in the finals on March 10 and ended with an 86.45 score. In addition to the national crown, Missouri Valley also claimed the NAIA Southeast Qualifier championship on February 23 in Baldwin City, Kan., with a score of 86.95.

Cox wrapped up her second season at Missouri Valley, previously being the head coach for two years at NCAA Division III University of the Ozarks (Ark.).

On the dance side, coach Langeneckert engineered the Fighting Bees to their first-ever national championship win on March 10. They compiled a two-day team score of 89.21, slightly better than second place Oklahoma City (88.71). Just completing her eighth season at St. Ambrose, Langeneckert previously led her teams to the NAIA Competitive Dance National Invitational Championships in 2015 and 2016.

Heath shared in Coach of the Year honors after her Saints finished sixth at this year’s NAIA Competitive Dance National Championship. Siena Heights also claimed third place at the Northeast Qualifier championship on February 24 in Adrian, Mich. Heath completed her sixth season at Siena Heights, previously spending four years at NCAA Division III Adrian (Mich.) College.

For more information on Competitive Cheer and Competitive Dance, CLICK HERE.