(2-4-18) The Stateline area competitive cheer teams had a big day at the IHSA State Finals in Bloomington bringing home two state titles.
NIC 10 Champion and powerhouse, Belvidere North, repeated as the Coed Team Champions outdistancing 2nd place Fox Lake Grant 93.97-91.60.
The Blue Thunder upped their championship performance, beating their prelim score of 91.76 to picked up another state title.
This team 💙💙💙💙 we made history together this weekend!! You will forever have a major piece of my heart!!! #ttywb #rgvc #familyforever #blueinourhearts pic.twitter.com/EMDuApLlst
— Kali Kupkowski (@CoachKaliK) February 4, 2018
The ‘Cinderella’ of the coed competition was highlighted by Rockford Guilford and 1st year Head Coach Kali Kupkowski. The Vikings are the first District 205 squad to place in state since the IHSA made cheerleading a competitive sport in 2005-2006. Last season was a ‘nightmare’ for the team, who didn’t even field a team in last year’s NIC 10 finals. The Vikings finished 6th yesterday out of the 10 finalist with a score of 85.03, after posting an 84.97 in the prelims.
Congratulations @RGcheer on your IHSA 6th place coed finish! Best finish in Guilford cheer history. Thank you for your dedication and drive. You lived the #guilfordstrong mission this weekend! @RPS205 #OurKidsRock pic.twitter.com/UD0YF2Osqm
— Gus Carter (@GusCarterEd) February 4, 2018
RELATED: NIGHTMARE (2017) Season Over For Rockford Guilford Cheer Team
THE CHAMPS ARE HERE. @lutherancheer didn’t take long to get back home and celebrate with family and friends. It’s not everyday you win a State Championship! @RkfdLutheran @kta1927 @RLHSStudents pic.twitter.com/nnB3d35Kae
— Josh Filomeno (@JoshFilomeno) February 4, 2018
Rockford Lutheran picked up their first ever competitive cheer title posting a 88.17 score, Farmington was 2nd with a score of 86.71. The Crusaders finished 2nd during the prelims, just .31 behind Farmington and picking up two points in the finals.
State Champions🏆💍💜✝️ pic.twitter.com/Sb2FQJRUPH
— RLHS Cheerleading (@lutherancheer) February 3, 2018
North Boone of the Big Northern finished 7th with a score of 81.20
Other Stateline area teams that qualified for the State Finals were Harlem and Byron, ending a big season for both teams.
STATE FINAL RESULTS
Coed Team
| Place | Team | Score |
| 1 | Belvidere North | 93.97 |
| 2 | Fox Lake Grant | 91.60 |
| 3 | Lockport Twp. | 89.91 |
| 4 | Plainfield South | 86.36 |
| 5 | Metea Valley | 86.23 |
| 6 | Rockford Guilford | 85.03 |
| 7 | Buffalo Grove | 84.97 |
| 8 | South Elgin | 80.66 |
| 9 | Glenbard East | 80.59 |
| 10 | Palos Heights Shepard | 80.34 |
Small Team
| Place | Team | Score |
| 1 | Rockford Lutheran | 88.17 |
| 2 | Farmington | 86.71 |
| 3 | Reed-Custer | 85.03 |
| 4 | Wilmington | 83.16 |
| 5 | Taylor Ridge (Rockridge) | 82.97 |
| 6 | Ann.-Jonesboro) | 81.29 |
| 7 | North Boone | 81.20 |
| 8 | Elmhurst (Timothy Christian) | 77.53 |
| 9 | Paris | 73.30 |
| 10 | Somonauk | 71.43 |
Stateline Sports Network 