Last Friday’s impromptu snow storm put a crimp in travel plans across the state, including those for teams heading to the cheerleading state finals in Bloomington.

The two-day event was relegated to a Saturday-only contest, but it’s likely Glenbard West’s cheerleading team didn’t care.

The Hilltoppers finished eighth in the large team division to bring home its first IHSA cheerleading trophy.

“It was so fun,” said Glenbard West first-year head coach Michelle Gatz. “The girls did a great job.

“It was so stressful, but it was worth it.”

Competing in the large division the Hilltopper held their own with the top teams in the state.

“I hoped we could place in the top-10 because the girls worked so hard all season,” Gatz said. “We’ve been pushing them as hard and they can be pushed.”

The Hilltoppers knew what they were up against, having arrived at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in time to catch a couple performances before their 6:05 p.m. time on center stage.

A tweaked routine at state — “We added more difficult aspects, more tumbling and more difficult skills,” Gatz said — led to a one-point deduction, but Glenbard West was never in danger of falling out of the top-10.

“I knew the girls had the talent to place top-10,” Gatz said. “It was a good feeling when we did. The parents were cheering from the bleachers.

“It must have been an incredible feeling for our seniors.”

Those seniors, along with the rest of the Hilltoppers, will have a chance to replicate that feeling at this weekend’s Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association state series in Springfield.

The members of Glenbard West’s varsity cheerleading team are: Seniors Jaclyn Ruffolo, Danielle Coppola, Staci Wallar, Amanda Jurewicz, Lexie Kondogianis and Callie Gladish; juniors Melissa Lancaster, Brittany Hayward, Brittney Friend, Lexi Nachriener, Jamie Scott, Alex Skryd, Lauren Jackson and Mary Hines; sophomores Breah Bower, Christina Taggart, Haley Flynn, Jenny Sinopoli, and Karin Roug;  and freshmen Lauren Hookham, Abby Marshall, Sarah Kohnke.
The captains are Megan Flynn, Molly Marshall, and Elise Roug.

Glenbard South
A week after winning a sectional title Glenbard South’s Coed cheerleading team was just shy of a top-10 finish at Saturday’s state meet in Bloomington.

The Raiders finished 11th overall with a final score of 80.94. Prior to deductions their 83.44 score was good enough for eighth place.

“It was kind of a stressful weekend, and the weather only added to it,” head coach Erica Andrews said. “Each squad had only one shot to go out and show what they coud do.
“I think that put a lot of stress on my team and all the teams.”

Still, the Raiders improved on last year’s 13th place finish and had their best season since becoming a competitive squad three years ago.

“It was hard on the seniors. They really wanted top-10,” Andrews said of the 11th place finish. “But I told them they were still sectional champions and they’ll always have that.
“Eleventh isn’t bad considering there’s 25 teams downstate and not all the teams even make it downstate. Eleventh in the state of Illinois isn’t bad at all.”

The only downside for the Raiders is the loss of 11 seniors including all of their male competitors, who Andrews will be looking to replace come next season.

“The seniors made this program,” Andrews said. “I’m proud of all of them.

“All in all it was a good season.”

Glenbard South team members include: Kyle Berg, Ellen Bazigos, Michelle Bieke, Kristin Damitz, Kelly Djoum, Christina Duski, Abbey Green, Antoinae Goodman, Ch'nese Henderson, Eileen Knowles, Danee Miskimen, Kevin Murphy, Shannon Nurse, Colleen Rooney, Tony Shustar, Claire Sladek, Ashley Steger, Jade Steger, Stephanie Straka, Jenna Thilly, Bianca Zlatea and captains Allison Brave and David Lyons.

Large team results
1. Lockport        93.10
2. Bradley-Bourbonnais    91.12
3. Sandburg        90.12
8. Glenbard West        85.34

Coed team results
1. Elk Grove        92.12
2. Downers Grove South    88.66
3. Palatine        85.80
11. Glenbard South        80.94