This past weekend, the junior varsity and varsity Sequoits competed at the NLCC conference competition hosted at Grayslake North, on January 20. 

Both teams took 3rd place at the competition. Unfortunately, this was not the outcome the teams had hoped for. Varsity had two stunt falls with a result of two points in deductions. The routine is jam packed with difficult stunts, tumbling and jumps. The team pushed through until the end with a positive mindset despite the stunt falls. Antioch families that came to support were showing nothing but love after the performance.

Despite the routine not going the way the Sequoits had hoped, there was a NLCC sportsmanship award that was awarded to one of the juniors, Bridget Nauman. She was awarded the award due to showing a growth mindset and encouraging others throughout the competition. This award meant a lot to her as she works so hard in and out of practice. 

“I always take pride in my sportsmanship so receiving this award meant a lot to me,” Nauman said. “I love encouraging people and always being there for my team on and off the mat.”

Continuing through the season, the team is looking to make upgrades to their routine and to make it more difficult and out score the rest of the competition. As it gets closer to sectionals and state, the team will prepare to achieve their high goals and max out the score sheet to be unbeatable. 

“We are going to focus on cleaning and hitting our new skills confidently and consistently,” senior Kayla Grenke said. “We are just as mentally prepared to hit as we are physically prepared.”  

This mentally tough sport won’t stop the team. Their hard work and dedication shows on the mat and how bad they want to win. The team is excited to get back on track and dominate the floor at Fremd High School on Saturday January 25.