For the fourth time in school history, Oswego varsity cheer punched their ticket to state with the season ending sooner than they hoped, not continuing to day two.
Co-Head Cheer Coach Emily Gaw said, “We started off so strong with multiple hits and many trophies… but the best part has honestly just been being together.”
The team competed at the Grossinger Arena in Bloomington on Sat. 7, placing 14 out of 25, scoring a 89.49 out of 100.
OH senior backspot and co-ed base Nick Waldron said that the biggest accomplishment for the season has been “placing first at our home comp then making it to State.”
From countless hours of practice and cheering at basketball games after a long day of school, these athletes balance their passion for cheer.
OPC has been working incredibly hard this season, showcasing their remarkable progress.
They recently placed second at the ‘Sectional’ competition that took place at OH on Jan. 31, scoring at 92.50 out of 100, qualifying them for IHSA State.
Oswego placed second out of eleven teams that were all included in the Co-Ed division. Every competition seems to bring a new challenge to face between the various different teams.
This year’s team has shown significant improvement as they’ve been focusing on refining their routine, increasing the difficulty of stunts, and perfecting every little part.
Coach Gaw added, “Seeing other teammates step up to the plate and learn new parts or compete for the first time, even if they never have before, it has been hard, but also really great because [they have] proven themselves.”
This season, the team has faced many injuries and hardships, yet they have not given up, and they have made good memories during the season.
For example, OH junior flyer Mia Fitzgerald said, “My favorite part of the season has probably been the co-ed challenge at Belvidere.”
This particular competition at Belvidere High School brought them home yet another top-three finish. The audience could see how much sweat and tears were left on the mat for the last time. The OH seniors who have been on the team from the first year they qualified and have seen how much of an impact the program has made on them.
Senior night, which was held on Feb. 10, celebrated seniors Bree Thomas, Gia Smith, Zahria Zbrozek, Zahriah Meaderdes, Nick Waldron, Kaleb Stumpenhorst, Mario Ramirez, Dekker Zelensek, and Brandon Ugalde.
Hi! My name is Ainslee Gerardot and I'm a junior at Oswego High School. This is my first year of the 42Fifty staff, and I am proud to serve as Social Media Editor. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
Hi! My name is Leah Fetro. I am a senior here at OH and it is my first year as a journalist with 42Fifty. I am excited to see what this year holds! You can contact me by emailing 42fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
