The Marist Varsity Cheer team won the IHSA State Championship Large Competitive Cheer Division over the weekend at Illinois State University for the second year in a row.
The team left Marist Thursday afternoon to compete on Friday in Bloomington. Having finished in second place, they advanced to the finals on Saturday. With a deduction-free routine, the so-called “South Side Queens” became back-to-back state champions Saturday night.
“Throughout the season we always had a feeling we were capable of winning so being the team to take home the trophy lived up to our expectation,” said varsity cheer member Abby Osborne.
The stakes were high as the team has placed in the top three for the last seven years. They have been dedicated themselves for the last ten months working inside the gym four days a week, two hours every practice on their routine, tumbling, and technique. While outside the gym, they continuously participate in team bonding and hanging out willingly together as a team.
“Winning state back to back is truly a blessing and the most incredible feeling,” said Osborne.
The Marist band welcomed back the team Monday morning with a march through the hallways. The girls walked behind the band while holding the trophy and wearing their medals. Many of the cheerleaders also wore the medals they won from previous years. Students poured out of their classrooms to offer applause as they passed.
Another celebration for cheer team was held Monday night at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Parents, friends, and students gathered to congratulate the champions.
