Hannibal, MO - The Hannibal-LaGrange Athletic Department will be adding Women's Competitive Dance to its varsity athletic offerings in 24-25.  In addition to competing in 4-5 competitions per year, the dance team will perform at HLGU men's and women's basketball games and various other events on campus and in the community. 

David Jameson has been tabbed as the inaugural head coach of the program.  Jameson currently resides in Hannibal with his wife Rachelle and has been involved in dance since a very early age. Jameson has competed in nationwide competitions winning multiple solo and team awards including a first-place finish with a tap solo at the prestigious Tremaine National Competition.  His success resulted in a multitude of scholarships to attend larger conventions.  David has trained under professionals who performed in the Super Bowl, movies, Dancing with the Stars, and on Broadway.  These experiences culminated in a dance contract which would take him all over the world. He began teaching at Karen's Dance Academy of Hannibal at the age of 15 and recently opened WiLoKi Dance Center which provides instruction in a variety of dance styles and services students from the surrounding area. 

HLGU Director of Athletics, Clay Biggs, is encouraged by the way that the Competitive Dance Program has come together.  He stated, "We have been doing our best to identify possible programs that could expand opportunities for women to be involved in at HLGU.  Competitive Dance was on our radar but it really began to make a lot of sense when David expressed an interest in leading the program.  In order for Competitive Dance to be successful on our campus, we knew we had to find someone with the right perspective and qualities to lead the program and we found what we were looking for in Jameson."

Coach Jameson added, "This opportunity was a God thing.  I was looking around and trying to plug in while expanding dance in the area.  Clay (Biggs) and I attend church together and the opportunity came about organically.  My passion for dance can now be used in a Christ-centered environment.  I am excited to see what God is going to do through this program to draw students to Himself, and to help support HLGU in its mission." 

Jameson will begin recruiting for the program immediately.  The program will provide scholarship opportunities and hopes to attract 8-10 students in year one.  Prospective students who have interest can contact Coach Jameson directly at David.Jameson@hlg.edu.