By Quinn Masek, Siouxland Contributor
The 2024 showed off what South Dakota groups had to offer, and 2025 looks even better. Great shows, great competitions, and lots of variety are on tap starting in just a couple weeks.
Before we dive into 2025, here's take a moment to look back at the 2024 season. Sioux Falls Roosevelt, after a tough 2023, came roaring back with an unforgettable show inspired by Oceans 11. Executive Suite earned the Best Band award at every competition they were at, and won grand champion at two out of their four events.
Meanwhile, Sioux Falls Jefferson and O’Gorman, who had stunning seasons in 2023, faced a bit of a setback in 2024. Both schools found themselves missing out on finals at different points in the season. For Jefferson, this was particularly shocking as Legacy failed to qualify for finals for the first time ever in program history.
On the flip side, Sioux Falls Washington and Harrisburg experienced a major boost. Both Classic Connection and Eclipse had decent performances in 2023, but they truly hit their stride in 2024, delivering improved, high-energy shows.
Finally, there are the heavyweights of South Dakota—Mitchell Friend de Coup and Aberdeen Central Eagle Express. Both groups lived up to their reputations. Friend de Coup continued to dominate, holding its position as arguably the top group in the state, while Aberdeen has been slowly inching towards that top spot.
What's Changed?
The most notable change this season is the arrival of Mitchell’s new director, Nic Caberos. After five years of leadership by Nick McGraw, who guided Friend de Coup to victories over a slew of regional powerhouses, Caberos has some big shoes to fill. Arriving from Lincoln Northeast High School, Caberos is ready to lead FDC against some of the toughest names in the game.
Sioux Falls Jefferson Legacy is undergoing the only choreographer change of note this season. Since its formation, Legacy has been choreographed by both Nick Quamme and Tori Brindis. For the upcoming season, however, Quamme will take the reins solo.
This is also the first time that the three Sioux Falls public schools, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Washington, will be attending six competitions throughout the season instead of the usual five for Roosevelt and Washington.
Who has something to prove this season?
Aberdeen Central is stepping up its game this season, facing even tougher competition than before. Their groups are heading to Millard West, marking a return to Omaha for the first time since 2020. In-state bloodbaths at Jefferson and O'Gorman as well as an Iowa throwdown at Sioux City East will also prove challenging.
Both O’Gorman and Sioux Falls Jefferson had standout seasons in 2023, only to stumble a bit in 2024. It’s safe to say they’ll be hungry to reclaim that success and prove they’re still at the top of their game.
Don’t overlook Sioux Falls Jefferson’s single-gender group, Revelry. In its third year, Revelry, now directed solely by Rebecca Hiigel, is in a position to to emerge as the best womens group in South Dakota.
What competitions look good this season?
Jan. 11: South Dakota is set to host seven competitions throughout the 2025 season, but none are more anticipated than the Sioux Falls Jefferson Cavalier Classic. This event draws groups from across the region, including top-tier teams from Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska.
Feb. 1: Sioux Falls Roosevelt will bring in Sioux City East and possibly Des Moines Christian, along with its usual heap of small mixed groups.
Mar. 1: O’Gorman Standing O! will feature regional contenders Bloomington Kennedy and Papillion-La Vista. Those groups will clash with Sioux Falls Roosevelt, Sioux Falls Washington, Aberdeen Central, and Harrisburg. Standing O has greatly increased group participation from its first year, and promises to put on a good show in year two.
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