For the first time in school history, South’s varsity cheer team qualified for the state competition after placing top five within their sectional on Jan. 27. The girls traveled to Illinois State University in Bloomington to compete in the state competition, finishing their season as the 24th ranked team in the state. 

The team, directed by varsity cheer head coach and school social worker Amanda Middleton, was led by a large group of seniors who were determined to find success. Middleton is happy with the team’s dedication and determination. 

“This team embodies all that it means to be a Titan: teamwork, hard work, commitment, and pride,” Middleton explained.”We did a lot of goal setting throughout the season which helped guide our progress and focused on our skills through a growth mindset.”

While the girls used their practices to improve, they also valued their bonding time, senior captain Sydney Spilios said.

“This year looked different from past years because we created lots of new traditions,” Spilios said.”In the past, we would do one or two [team] dinners throughout the season, but this year, we’ve done a lot more outside practice as well as inside, including secret Santa, hangouts, galentines, and even a talent show.”

The team struggled to find their rhythm at the beginning of the year with many new faces and a new cheer routine, senior Addison Ehrhardt said. However, under Middleton’s instruction, the team found chemistry and improved their results, eventually taking them to the state competition. Ehrhardt noted that the experience at the state competition was memorable and a great first sample for what is to come for South’s cheer program. 

It was an unforgettable moment for our team to experience that feeling of success when we walked out to the loud crowd, but I think this is going to be the first of many state appearances for the [South] cheer program,” Ehrhardt said. 

The first accomplishment of the cheer program has been recognized in the community, and many believe it’s a turning point for the program, including Tom Mietus, South’s Athletic Director. Mietus applauds the girls for their growth as a team throughout the year. 

“When I got here 19 years ago, I was surprised by how small the cheer team was,” Mietus said.”To see where the program started to where it is now is unbelievable. Coach Middleton has worked really hard these past few years to get the girls prepared to make it to state for the first time in school history, and that is a huge accomplishment. I credit the girls for believing in themselves and in what Middleton has been doing with the team, it’s been awesome to watch.”