Ainslee Gerardot - Socials Editor
IHSA Policy 17: The impacts coming ’26-27 for Oswego’s co-op sports community
On Dec. 16, 2025, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) introduced Policy 17 which limits large co-op high school teams from dominating at state. Policy 17, which will be implemented for the 2026-2027 school year, is aimed at leveling the playing field for schools competing in the same division. When this policy goes into effect next fall, it will impact several of the current athletic teams in-district, meaning that these co-op teams will no longer be able to compete at the sectional or state level. OH Athletic Director Dan Artnzen said, “The bylaw states that schools can no longer have a cooperative team, commonly referred to as a co-op, if their combined enrollment is over 3,500 kids.” For OH specifically, the teams impacted include the gymnastics team and swimming team as both are co-op teams and combined with OE.
From sidelines to spotlight: Competition cheer season kicks off
With an impressive first place finish at their first competition in Batavia last Sat., the OH cheer team has shifted from sideline cheering at games to center stage in their competitive season building on last year's success of fifth in IHSA State. The team not only prepares and performs routines for cheerleading competitions, but they also attend basketball games to cheer on their school’s team, hyping up the crowd and boosting the players’ confidence. “My goal is to win, well not only to win, but to also improve myself,” said backspot/tumbler, junior Aydan Dunne.
Podcast: Oswego kicks-off the season with annual Christmas Walk this Fri.
Podcast hosts Jessica Bellah, Ainslee Gerardot, and Cristina Murillo look ahead to the Fri., Dec. 5 Christmas Walk in downtown Oswego. Get holiday-hyped as they preview the pop-ups, holiday drinks, events, and favorite traditions at this annual community event. Oswego's Christmas Walk takes place Fri., Dec. 5 from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. For full details, the Village of Oswego published a Christmas Walk guide to help residents plan their wintry fun.
Sweet success: Suazo takes bouquets and baking to the next level
For most students, after school includes sports, hanging out with friends, or working. For OH junior Hailey Suazo, however, after school includes time baking, decorating, and working with florals. Suazo started her business, Ribbons and Delights, in Feb. 2025 when she took her hobby to the next level by making an Instagram account to showcase her talent. Suazo said, “I’ve always been baking and selling, but I started the Ribbon Delights business because one of my friends wanted me to make a bouquet for them, and I just thought it was fun.”
Serving up a new season: OH girls volleyball plays on despite removal from home court
The beginning of most sports seasons includes team bonding, conditioning, and preparing for a successful season. OH girls' volleyball, however, had a different start to their season. On Sun., Aug. 17, a heavy storm hit OH, causing damage to the main gym. At the same time, the OH girls' volleyball team was also preparing for the upcoming season. Currently, girls' volleyball is being held in the AUX gym. Head Coach Gary Mosley said, “At first they weren't sure where we were gonna be [[playing]]. They were talking about possibly playing on the road the whole season or putting us at Oswego East.”