The 2024-2025 Cheer Team has prospered, being the highest-scoring sectionals team in school history. On Feb. 7 at Illinois State University, the competitive cheer team will compete at state for the first time since 2018. The girls are very proud to have made it this far and to get a chance to show their routine, alongside the other best teams in the state.
There is a lot of hard-work and dedication necessary to earn a spot at state, and it is clear this team has earned it. Junior Carson Smith explains the drive that carries the team to achieve their goals.
“We have been preparing for state since the season started. We clean our routine every single practice and we go full out around 5-7 times a week before competitions. But for state specifically, we have been focusing on our mindset and confidence,” Smith said. “We do things until we get them right, we hold each other accountable, and we practice like placing is not promised.”
All of this preparation worked in their favor to earn them the highest score the team has ever obtained at sectionals. The team scored a 91.87 and placed third.
Senior Anaiyah Brown is a four-year Varsity cheerleader who is proud of the hard work that she and the team have accomplished.
“Being the highest scoring sectionals team in school history is very shocking, but it feels rewarding and proves that our hard work is paying off. We put in so much time and effort and seeing the results makes it worthwhile,” Brown said.
This is a huge accomplishment and shows the teamwork and commitment to this sport. By working together, the team can do great things.
Every person on the floor during a cheer routine needs to do their part, to prevent any reduction of points and make sure a stunt stays up and looks clean. There is no way to do that without every single athlete giving their all.
The seniors on the team, work to make sure the underclassmen can take on their role and not fall under the pressure.
“As one of the many seniors on the team the best thing we can do is be present, in the moment, and keep our composure for the underclassmen,” Brown said. “It does not service to them or even ourselves if we’re all nervous and lack confidence in the routine and the team as a whole. Maintaining a strong, positive mindset helps set the tone for the entire team.”
The team has put in so many hours of training, taken so many risks, prepared so much and done all that they can, and now it is time to compete.
Senior, Noni Williams, has been doing competitive cheer for four years and is ready to compete at state to end her high school career.
“I don’t have any worries about state. I know that we are going to kill it and give the best performance of our lives. I am so excited to show everyone why we deserve to be on that mat alongside the best teams in the state.” Williams said.
As state approaches, the East community is cheering the team on, and wishing them the best of luck.
Written by Juniors Eve Cerny and Hannah Groh. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.