Thursday, January 25, 2018

Homer 33C HJH cheerleaders compete at State despite illness



News Release
Homer CCSD 33C
Goodings Grove   Luther J. Schilling   William E. Young   William J. Butler  
Hadley Middle   Homer Jr. High

Contact: Charla Brautigam, Communications/Public Relations Manager


For Immediate Release:
Jan. 24, 2018

A lesson in determination
HJH cheerleaders compete at State despite illness

   When several Homer Junior High School cheerleaders fell victim to the flu or unexpected circumstances last week -- just days before the State meet -- Coach Kelly Klosak wasn’t sure the team would be able to compete.

HJH cheerleaders at State.jpeg

   “There were some girls who missed the entire week of school and practice,” she said, “presenting the team with a dilemma.”

   They either had to skip the trip to State, an opportunity they had worked so hard to achieve, or rework their routine to cover for their absent or injured teammates.

   After a four-hour practice session the night before State, the cheerleaders put it to a vote.
practice 1.jpeg

   They still wanted to compete.

   “We competed on Saturday (Jan. 20) in Peoria, missing several girls on the mat and only performing half of our usual stunts and routine,” said Klosak.

   Despite the last-minute changes, the girls ended up placing 7th out of 17 teams.
 practice 2.jpeg
   It was a performance that amazed their coach and parents.

   “The entire team showed nothing but true dedication, athleticism and perseverance in the face of adversity,” said Klosak.

   “I have never felt more proud of a team in my entire coaching career,” she added.





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