Yankton, SD — 7/14/26 — Mount Marty Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Nicholas Black as the new Head Cheer and Dance Coach. Black brings a wealth of championship level experience, a proven track record of collegiate growth, and a commitment to character-driven leadership to the program.

Black joins Mount Marty University after an impressive tenure as the Head Cheer and Dance Coach at Allen Community College. In March 2026, Black led the Allen Cheerleading program to conference championships in Advanced COED and Intermediate All-Girl for the first time in program history. Under his leadership, the program underwent a rapid, remarkable transformation, growing from a rebuilding squad of just six athletes into two full competitive teams performing at a championship level.

Prior to his success at Allen, Black served as the Head Cheerleading Coach and at his alma mater, Grand View University. During his impactful tenure leading the Vikings, In 2023 he choreographed competitive routines that culminated in a Top 10 ranking and finishing 14th at the NAIA National Championships. His emphasis on character and excellence was further recognized when Grand View was selected as the 2023 Musco Team Sportsmanship Award winner by the Heart of America Athletic Conference.

Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to professional development, Black also spent time this summer completing advanced training at the prestigious Top Gun in Miami, Florida. In his new role at Mount Marty, he will oversee all aspects of both the cheer and dance programs, including choreography, game-day performances, competitive routines, and student recruitment.

Mount Marty Athletic Director Andy Bernatow is eager to get the Black era underway. "Nicholas is a proven winner who understands that competitive excellence and strong character go hand in hand," said Bernatow. "He brings a dynamic energy and a track record of elevating programs to a national standard. We are excited to welcome him to campus and look forward to the future of Lancer cheer and dance under his leadership." 

"I am incredibly excited to join the Mount Marty community and lead the cheer and dance programs," said Black. "Success at this level is built on a foundation of competitive drive, accountability, and strong character. My goal is to build a culture where our student-athletes excel both in competition and as leaders on campus, and I can't wait to get to work with our Lancers." 

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Benedictine Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.