OQMS Cheerleaders Win State For Second Year In A Row

LEMONT, IL — The Old Quarry Middle School Cheerleading team has won the IESA State Championship for the second year in a row. The school said OQMS has placed in the top two teams in the state for the last five years.

The team is comprised of sixth through eighth grade students. The school said for the first time in OQMS history, there was also a boy, Hunter Wilson, on the team.

"This team is amazing! Watching the team go from a random group of talented athletes in August to state champions was an honor and privilege," Coach Daryl Mercer said in a release.

The cheerleaders also all shared their excitement on winning the championship. Eighth grader Abby Nagel said she will never forget the feeling of winning back-to-back state championships.

"This cheer team is more like a second family and if we worked together and had fun we knew could achieve everything," sixth grader Jordan Cryer said.

After returning from their competition in Peoria, the team was treated to a police escort from OQMS to Gelsosomo's to celebrate their back-to-back championship wins.

"I am so proud of this team's talent, dedication and teamwork. They are not only champion cheerleaders but also champion young people," Coach Laurie Saulys said.

Seventh grader Fawne Ford added, "This team isn't just about tumbling and stunting, it is about becoming a family and believing in one another."

The members of the team are: Abby Nagel, Annette Lichacz, Ashley Wrublik, Avaree Taylor, Bella Shadden, Brayah Bromberek, Breann Mooney, Fawne Ford, Hunter Wilson, Jade Yabush, Jordan Bartman, Jordan Cryer, Kayley Thorton, Kelsey Schmidt, Maddie Woytek, Molly Tucker, Molly Wallace, Monika Morkunas, Lily Kozlowski, Savannah Sullivan, Frankie Rita, and Tyra Gonzalez.

The team is coached by Laurie Saulys, Daryl Mercer and Claudia Desantis.

Photos provided by Old Quarry Middle School.