Wheeling Park, St. Clairsville, Union Local, Shadyside, and Cameron Claim OVAC Cheerleading Titles
February 3, 2025
Barras Cheer Squad Heads to Orlando for 2025 World School Cheerleading Championship
February 5, 2025
Team Roster:
Back row: Erin Gugliuzza, Ashlynn Monckton, Devon Mackenzie, Vivi Koppel (manager), Skyla Hendrix, Audreya Wilkins, Maggie Sammon, Ryan Renderman.
Middle row: Averie Grigus, Aracely McNamara, Sophia Horwath, Kennedi Ross, Gloria Podolner, Meg Gray, Maddie Brennan, Olivia VanWyck, Bridget Waight.
Front row: Hayden Livingston, Aleigh Zeman, Melissa Marquez, Grace Lannon, Annie Sarno, Katie Villarreal, Aylee Holguin.
The Lyons Township High School competitive cheerleading team has earned its fourth consecutive trip to the state championship in Bloomington after delivering an outstanding performance at the Buffalo Grove Sectional on Saturday. With a season-high score of 93.07, the Lions secured third place in the Coed Division, surpassing their previous best score of 92.08 from the West Suburban Conference title on January 20.
In order to qualify for state, the team needed to finish in the top five at the sectional, which they accomplished with precision and determination. The Lions’ journey has been marked by impressive growth, especially after overcoming challenges at the start of the season.
The Lions are led by Coach Sharon Lupo and Ana Samaniego. Senior members include Maddie Brennan, Meg Gray, Grace Lannon, Devon Mackenzie, Marquez, Annie Sarno, and Katie Villarreal. Juniors Erin Gugliuzza, Skyla Hendrix, Sophia Horwath, Vivi Koppel (manager), Aracely McNamara, Ryan Renderman, Maggie Sammon, and Bridget Waight round out the team, along with sophomore and freshman members.
The team’s goal for this season was to first win the conference title and then secure a state bid, both of which they have achieved. Now, their sights are set on advancing to the second day of the state competition, a feat they are determined to accomplish.
RBHS/Nazareth Cheerleaders Show Strong Performance at Sectionals
Riverside Brookfield High School’s competitive cheerleading team showed impressive growth this season, securing 11th place in the Large Division at the Joliet West Sectional with a score of 83.30. Despite losing 10 seniors from last season, the Bulldogs performed without any routine deductions, coming close to their regular-season high of 84.
Head Coach Lauren Vara expressed pride in the team’s progress, especially considering the team’s relative inexperience. Senior leaders Mikayla Biggerstaff, Olivia Denson, and Natalie Torres provided strong guidance throughout the season. The team’s unity and dedication were evident at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet, where the Bulldogs placed fourth, while the junior varsity team earned seventh.
Nazareth Academy’s cheerleading team placed 12th in the Medium Division at the Buffalo Grove Sectional with a score of 78.03.
Girls Wrestling: Gonzalez Makes History
Senior Avi Gonzalez of Lyons Township made history once again by becoming the program’s first-ever regional champion in girls wrestling at the Hinsdale South Regional. With a dominant performance, Gonzalez won the championship at 110 pounds, defeating top-seeded Veronica Skibicki by pin in the first period.
Gonzalez, who has been with the program since its inception, now sets her sights on earning her first state berth. This season, she has made significant progress, pushing herself to new heights after a tough loss at regionals last year.
In other girls wrestling news, Riverside Brookfield’s Danely Villagomez earned a return trip to sectionals, while several LTHS wrestlers came close to qualifying for state. With more sectional competitions ahead, Gonzalez and her teammates are ready to make their mark at the state level.
Bowling: Nolan Deines Competes at State
Lyons Township senior Nolan Deines competed at the boys bowling state meet in O’Fallon, finishing 121st with a six-game series score of 1,033. While Deines faced challenges with lane conditions, he earned a personal best earlier in the season at the Naperville Central Sectional with a score of 1,231, helping his team reach the state finals.
