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The Austin Packer dance team has been one of the most competitive teams in the state of Minnesota for the past two decades, but the Packers are more than just a disciplined, hard working group.

They are a family that embraces a challenge and they do it with a great attitude. Austin captain Eeva Nelson used some form of the word “positive” six times when she was asked about what APDT is all about.

“Us captains are in charge of maintaining a positive attitude and atmosphere in practice and in competition,” Nelson said. “There are countless leadership opportunities in the role of being a captain, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we take these responsibilities very seriously. All we want is the absolute best for our team, and I believe that being a good role model is very important in creating the atmosphere we need to remain positive and optimistic.”

The Packers recently took second in high kick and sixth in jazz in Edina and they also brought home the sportsmanship award in that meet. Along with Nelson, Austin’s other captains Rachel Danielson, Gabby Hernandez and Lexi Yokiel have nurtured a united team approach that kept the team in line. 

“It’s a respect thing,” Hernandez said. “You tell people “good luck” throughout the competition and you smile during the awards ceremony. You never show you’re upset. We bring that outside of the competition too because we’re always representing APDT.”

APDT asks a lot out of its captains and that goes well beyond just leading the way on meet days. Captains have to try out to earn the nomination and they take their jobs seriously once they receive the honor.

“You just have to talk in practice and show everyone that we can get through the dance,” Yokiel said. “It’s a lot of hard work and dedication, but it’s also really fun.”

As the season surpasses the halfway point, the Packers are gaining confidence and increasing focus. Their goal, as usual, will be to be competing at the state meet on Feb. 17.

“The next couple of weeks are really busy and we’re really excited for it,” Danielson said.  “We’ve put in so much time working on our routine and we’re really excited to see how it looks.”

APDT has competed in 21 straight state meets and the team took sixth in high kick at last year’s state meet. Once again, the Packers are thinking big.

“This is a really good team and it’s really showing,” Hernandez said. “We’re all like one, big family out there and that really helps.”

APDT will compete in the Big Nine meet in Northfield on Jan. 19.