By Hannah Kibler
Journal-Republican correspondent

The Monticello high school cheerleading team competed at the IHSA (Illinois High School Association) state tournament for competitive cheerleading, placing 12th overall.

Although the team only fell two spots short of placing into the final round, making it to the state competition was an accomplishment in itself.

“Last year we missed qualifying for state by one-tenth of a point” said Morgan Wolter, one of four seniors on the cheerleading squad adding “I think that helped us to push ourselves even harder this year.”
As for what gave the team the extra edge? Senior Paige Clifton credits closeness as an integral team dynamic saying “We just click, and we’re able to use constructive criticism.”

While supporting the school’s teams by cheering at both school assemblies and sports events is a given for the squad, competitive cheering is a completely separate obligation. On average competitive routines are more challenging, often showcasing advanced skills normally not allowed on a hard gym floor.  In addition competitive routines are meticulously coordinated with sound effects, making accuracy a challenge that only amplifies when performed as a group.

“We work hard all year, it’s nice to see it finally pay off” said Wolter of the dedication and long hours the team put into preparing for the tournament. Starting in November the squad augmented practices to accommodate both regular and competitive routines, accounting for almost 10 hours a week of tumbling, dancing, stunting, and cheering. The result -- months of hard work culminating into a polished 3-minute highly choreographed dance/cheer routine.

Although the IHSA sanctioned competitive cheering in 2006, it wasn’t until last year that co-head coach Caitlyn Ross introduced the idea to the cheerleading squad.

“I came here and saw all of the talent” said Caitlyn, who also competed in cheer competitions as a highschooler recalling “I remembered how rewarding it was.”

And while admitting all the extra practice hours were sometimes less than enjoyable, Paige Clifton agreed it was worth it.

“I can’t imagine not being on a competition squad,”  she said.

Having the chance to compete in the IHSA tournament wasn’t just a resume booster for girls planning to continue cheering at the collegiate level, it was also a memory the team will never forget.

“It was the best feeling stepping onto the mat,” said senior Kylie Mumm. “The whole experience was amazing; it really made my senior year.”

However more than being an unforgettable experience, taking their competitive cheering to state allowed the squad to step off the sidelines to put their own mark in Monticello’s sports history.

“We made a name for our school and hopefully started a tradition” said Kylie, adding that this year Monticello contributed two of twenty five girls in the state that were hand-selected to participate on the all-state competitive cheer team, with most coming from the Chicago area.

But perhaps the most enjoyable part of the competition was reversing the roles.

“You never expect people to support cheerleaders, that’s our job” said Kylie with a smile.

However the school more than rose to the occasion, throwing the cheerleaders their very own pep assembly the day before their competition, complete with three senior boys dressed in cheerleading outfits to lead the students in a cheer.  The following day classrooms paused to watch a live stream of the team competing at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington.  School administrators came to show support as well noted Wolter, pointing out that athletic director Randy Moss was there to congratulate the team at sectionals, while high school principal Tip Reedy attended the state event.

“It meant a lot knowing he came just for us.” she said.

And while the squad is enjoying their hard earned success, sophomore Gabrielle Wolter is already looking to future goals saying “I want to make it to state next year.”