The Marist cheer team is headed down to state for their 11th consecutive appearance after placing second at sectionals this past weekend at Buffalo Grove High School. 

After winning state last year, their coach has been setting them to a higher standard. Being ranked in the top three for the last seven years can build confidence but also cause stress to keep the winning title.

“I feel the pressure is higher when I’m on a winning team because if we can win once we are more than capable of winning again and that is the standard that my team has set,” said varsity cheerleader Mia Duszynski.

Marist cheerleaders’ main goal is to continue to keep the Rowdie energy alive and make their name known.

“We’re definitely going to keep our energy up. It might be a bit stressful but I’m very sure that we can get through it. The Marist name is going to stay known,” said varsity cheerleader Sarah Tadevich.

The Marist cheerleading team is leaving Thursday afternoon to travel to Illinois State University in Bloomington. The Marist Band sent them off during Period 2 with a march through the hallways.

If the cheerleaders place in the top ten on Friday, they will get another opportunity to perform again Saturday for the finals.