Minooka’s varsity cheer team is getting ready to debut one of its most difficult routines yet. With upgraded skills, new uniforms, and a focus on clean execution, the team hopes this season will showcase the hard work they’ve put in since October.
Minooka will begin competing at Oswego on Dec. 20. Other events across Illinois, include All of the Lights, the conference meet, and the IHSA series. The team plans to push difficulty while strengthening timing, tumbling, and stunt consistency. Their goal is to grow not only as athletes, but also as a unified team determined to perform at their highest level.
To prepare for the competitive season, athletes have been working on tightening motions and improving technique throughout practices.
“I would say my strengths this season are my work ethic and how versatile I am as an overall athlete,” junior Lauren Klimchak said.
As teammates look ahead, many agree that the routine itself will set them apart. From their 4 jump sequence and hard stunts to their insanely difficult tumbling routines. This sets them at a high level 4 routine overall.
“As a team, I think our difficulty with the routine is our strength. Even though this routine is really hard, I know that we can overcome any adversity and perform to the best of our ability,” sophomore Abby Jungles said.
The cheerleaders are also excited for the major meets on their schedule.
“I am looking forward to the All of the Lights competition and to the state. I think we will do very well score-wise this year,” sophomore Kenzie Fitzgerald said.
Looking at the season ahead, the team has set ambitious goals.
“I think we are going to at the very least make it to state day two and hopefully podium. I also think that we will score well and place top three in all of our competitions,” Fitzgerald said.
They also expect personal and team growth, explaining how they expect themselves to grow as both a team and individual cheerleaders.
With strong skills, high difficulty, and a determined mindset, Minooka’s varsity cheer team enters the winter season ready to compete at a level they hope will take them all the way to day two and beyond.
