Palos South Cardinal Cheer Takes Top Spot at 2026 Middle School Matchup

PALOS PARK, IL — The Palos South Middle School Cardinal Cheer Team notched a first-place win in the 2026 Middle School Matchup cheer competition on January 10 at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont. The Cardinals took first place against a field of eight other teams in the small junior high division marking their first time landing in the top spot.

The team, coached by teachers Ashley Partin and Brittney Kmiecik, includes Emma Walkowicz, Morgan Frankiewicz, Abigail Kjeldsen, Penelope Brackin, Devin Curran, Layla Coriell, Ava Mendoza, Aliyana Acosta, Avery Hansel, Bianca Kapusciarz, Evelyn York, Mallory Coriell, Sydney Dore, and Alexa Owens.

For Coach Partin, the first-place win was confirmation that the hard work the team has put in, and the hours of practice have been worth it. Seeing the team come in first for the first time, she said was “a moment I will remember forever.”

“Seeing the girls’ excitement brought tears to my eyes,” said Coach Partin.