By Randy Whalen
For the Bugle
www.buglenewspapers.com
Less than two weeks ago, the Plainfield South cheerleading team made history. The Cougars came through, not only for themselves but for their school.
South took home second place in the Co-Ed Division of the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading Finals that were held on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1 and 2 at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington.
The Plainfield South Co-Ed cheer team placed second at the state finals in Bloomington. (Submitted Photo)
It was not only the first trophy for the Cougars in the sport, but it was also only the second one ever for the school, which opened its doors for the 2002-03 school year. The only other state trophy in school history was a state championship in boys bowling in the 2009-10 school year.
“Hearing our name for State Runner-Up in the coed division [that] weekend is something we will forever remember,” South coach Brooke Twohill said. “This is our third year in the coed division. We placed 4th in 2018 and 9th in 2017. I took over the program in 2015 and could not be more proud of our program growth and success.
“Our goals for this season included conference champions, sectional champions, and podium in which we reached every single one of those goals. After we got off the bus from state I had the team go to our goal board and together the seniors put a check by each goal we set in May. We are currently the fourth sectional champion for our school [softball in 2008, boys track and field in 2011, and baseball in 2016], and second state trophy. We are the highest placing cheerleading team in District 202 history and have the only IHSA State Trophy for cheerleading in our district.”
When the coed standings, which is the last of the four cheerleading divisions to perform, were read on Feb. 2, Belvidere North (96.63), which opened as a school in the fall of 2007, won its third straight co-ed division championship by more than three points. It was the fourth consecutive trophy for the Blue Thunder, who placed second in the same division in 2016. Plainfield South (93.43) was second, Grant (93.24) took third and South Elgin (91.77) rounded out the top four teams.
Buffalo Grove (91.24) which captured six straight trophies, including a trio of first place finishes (13, 15, and 16) between 2012-17 placed fifth. Lockport Township (89.44) was sixth, followed by Joliet Central (85.31) Shepard (84.56), Metea Valley (83.02), and Lake Park (80.09) rounded out the Top 10.
The members of the Cougars team were seniors Orlando DeYoung, Madilyn Hall, Kaitlin McCann, and Alyssa Plata. Juniors Fabian Arteaga, Cadey Chartrand, Lillian Goorsky, Jordan Lipowski, Aubry Mikel, Bree Slaby, Ashley Suddreth, and Bria Trenor. Sophomores Jairus Bowman, Tenley Brown, Ellie Grundon, Jazmin Jimenez, David Ochoa, Isabella Rios, Maggie Schoener, and Devin Stapleton. Freshman Emilee Trunnell rounded out the squad.
Assistant coaches were Emily Durham, Alyssa Padilla, and Keri Storako.
“It felt so rewarding to accomplish something with my teammates that we’ve been working at for so long,” said DeYoung, who was a three-year varsity member and the only male senior on the team. “We put so much time and effort into this and getting a trophy as a physical representation of our hard work is an amazing feeling.
“From the beginning of the season, I felt that we would be successful. But I think it really hit me that we could be one of the top teams in the state when we put a large emphasis on the smaller details of our routine and started to see how that was being positively reflected on the scoresheet.”
His senior teammates agreed.
“Being able to be named one of the top two teams in the state is incredibly rewarding and a memory that will last a lifetime,” McCann, a 2-year varsity member said. “It still feels surreal but knowing that the hard work, time, and commit our coaches, parents, volunteers, and every athlete on this team paid off is the most rewarding thing.
“I think I knew a top team finish in the state was possible outside of competitions and inside practice. I could really feel the love everybody in practice had for not only each other but this sport. I knew we were all on the same mindset of the goals we wanted to achieve through all we put in at practices and that made our team even more motivated to accomplish our goals together.”
Plata is the only senior who was a 4-year varsity member.
“Taking top two at state has to be one of my biggest accomplishments by far,” she said. “My team and I had set goals at the beginning of the season and to see all our goals happening before our eyes really was something special. At points, everyone was tired and kinda wanted to give up but hearing our name called made all the work worth it.
“We had a really amazing season, one I will remember forever. There were times where when we were winning all these invitationals that I realized that this year we could be our year, that we could no longer be counted out and at that point. That’s when everyone really knew we couldn’t settle and had to keep pushing for more.”
Hall was on the varsity the past three years. She will also never forget it.
“Getting podium was probably the most rewarding feeling because we as a team finished our last puzzle piece, we worked so hard, and for it to have finally paid off was a very special moment. I think for me after a couple competitions after getting our score sheets back and hearing such positive feedback and encouraging suggestions from judges and then people wanting to work with us because they could see the potential it really hit me.
“Plainfield South varsity cheer has such a special place in my heart and I know in my teammate’s heart as well. For next year they just need to remember the feeling from state ‘18-19 and strive for more. Our success stems from the love we have for each other and our coaches.”
With a majority of the team expected back next season, another state trophy is very possible.
“As a senior, I hope that as many of my teammates are going to continue to cheer on Plainfield South varsity cheer in the following years,” McCann said. “I know all this team has brought me in the past years and I hope that they continue to grow with Plainfield South varsity cheer. I think having as many previous athletes on the team would help for future goals as I feel one of the main reasons for our success was not only our coaches but our relationships with our teammates. Our trust in each other made us a family and took us to what we have accomplished this season.”
DeYoung agreed.
“This year a lot of the team were sophomores and juniors,” he said. “I have no doubts that next year they will step up and guide the people who may not have had the chance to perform with Plainfield South varsity cheer in previous years. Also having full trust in their coaches will help them succeed throughout their season and hopefully end up in that top spot.”
While Plata is graduating she’s excited at the prospect of the Cougars moving up to the top spot in the state.
“Everyone goes their separate ways each year and you gain some and you lose some, but I believe that’s what makes Plainfield South varsity cheer. The challenge to come together as a family and fight for what you want. There is no doubt in my mind that coach Twohill can lead the Cougars to a state title, and I wish them nothing but the best.”