Antioch varsity cheer had another chance at placing on the podium at this year’s for IHSA cheer state in Bloomington, Ill. After the first day of competition, the team was able to secure a number one ranking against 24 other teams. With a score of 89.44, Antioch went into the second day of the competition with a promising outlook. Hoping to improve their score, the Sequoits came out onto the mat day two ready to take home the gold. Their performance received a raw score of 91, which would have given them first place, but two points in deductions dropped their score to 89 and placed the team in third.

Ending day two, in first place was fellow NLCC team Grayslake Central, followed by Oak Forest and Antioch.

“I have never been prouder and honored to be on this team,” junior Paul Valdivia-Valencia said. “These were the most special and exciting performances that we have ever done.”

This was a very special experience for Valdivia-Valencia since it was his first time traveling down to a state competition. There was also the added benefit of being able to place high in state and bond with the graduating seniors which created a memorable cheer season for him.

With senior cheerleaders Rebecca Bargamian and Graci Leineberg having their season come to an end, there was a lot of emotion filling them and their teammates. Finishing this season with a place on the podium was a good way for the seniors to finish as well as a great accomplishment for the rest of the team.

Gallery • 3 Photos

Jessica Nettgen