For the first time since 2020, Sterling High School’s competitive cheerleading team competed at two competitions this season. 

  While S.H.S. used to have a successful competitive cheer team, they stopped competing around when the Covid-19 pandemic began. Current head coach Laci Halverson made it her mission to bring the competition team back. After a lot of planning and organizing, Halverson developed a competition team of 16 girls this season.

  This team was made up of cheerleaders from all grade levels; however, the only girls who had previously competed were the freshmen and sophomores who were on the Challand competition team. Freshman Myla Wendelken was one of few who had previous experience, making her the perfect addition to the team this season. 

  Wendelken stated, “I was happy to be able to have this experience in high school after competing for Challand.”  

  The girls first competition took place on January 24 at Challand Middle School. With it being most of their first competitions ever, the girls were nervous yet excited. Junior Paizley Johnson “was most scared for the pyramid.” Johnson was the main flyer in the pyramid. 

  While this was only their first competition, the girls took home first place in their category, medium varsity. After many setbacks in their season, this win was an amazing feeling for all the girls. 

  The following Saturday, the team traveled to Carpentersville, Ill., to compete at sectionals. This competition was much larger, and much more competitive than the previous one. With 17 total teams in their category, the girls knew they had to do their best. The girls’ ended in 17th place. Despite not making it to state, the team was happy with how they performed for their first competition season. 

  Bringing the competition cheer team back this year definitely had its ups and downs, but they did amazing this season.