The Oak Park and River Forest High School varsity cheerleading team made history this season, becoming the first to qualify for the IHSA competitive cheerleading state finals, Feb. 6-7, in Bloomington. The Huskies did not make the second day, but still put forth a solid effort, finishing 25th in Class 3A with a score of 81.38 points.
“[It’s] a rank we’ve never had, so extremely proud of them,” said Brianna Burton, who just completed her third season as OPRF head coach. Burton and her staff are all OPRF alums. Burton graduated in 2015, junior varsity coach Kamarie Bostic in 2013, and freshman coach Melody Brown in 1994. Brown was the Huskies’ varsity head coach from 2012 through 2023.
This year’s OPRF roster includes seniors Katherine Harris, Chelsey Hawkins, Kali Regan, Vitoria Tosin, and Iliana Villagomez; juniors Jada Clay, Sylvia Hardy, Stefanie James, Sierra Johnson, and Maya Ungureanu; sophomore Nylah Smith; and freshmen Elise MacMillan and Cameron Strolman.
“Hearing our name called at sectionals was an unreal feeling,” said Villagomez, a four-year varsity member. “Being able to say that I was part of the first OPRF cheer team to qualify for state made me so proud, and knowing how badly we all wanted it made the moment even more special. Being part of this history is something I’ll forever hold close to my heart.”
Burton said the team’s commitment and dedication produced this year’s success
“They have sacrificed time, poured in maximum effort, and fought relentlessly for their cheer family,” she said. “In moments when quitting may have felt like the easier option, they chose instead to persevere for the person standing across from them on the mat, a true reflection of the deep bond they share.
“Every day, we close practice with the words, “Family on me, family on three.” It’s a simple phrase, but a powerful reminder that nothing we accomplish is done alone. Everything we do, we do together as a family and for our family.”
James has been on OPRF’s varsity all three years and is eager to help build upon the momentum created this season.
“We set the standard and an expectation for ourselves next year,” she said. “This isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. We only go up from here and we will not only grow in skills but the family that we will have. This year’s success is inspiration to make state an expectation for OPRF cheer.”
Fenwick
At the Class 2A finals in Bloomington last weekend, Fenwick finished 23rd with 85.5 points. Despite not getting to the second day, the Friars deemed the season a success. It was their second consecutive downstate appearance.
“This team’s success is not only a product of their experience or talents. It’s a product of their heart,” said Fenwick head coach Carlotta Fleming, a 2013 graduate who is in her fifth season. “Each girl knows her own strongest points as well as their own weakest points. They pick up each other’s slack, they pick each other up when they’re down, and they constantly support each other no matter what. Our success would not be possible without the love they have for the shield [school logo] and the love they have for each other.”
Team members are seniors Johanna Giuffre, Nicole Jasinski, and Ella Mindak; juniors Simone Black, Giada DeCola, Amanda Imburgia, and Gracie Mindak; sophomore Amiyah Buford; and freshmen Derianna Bass and Penelope Black.
Ella Mindak was one of eight returning cheerleaders who went downstate last year and
enjoyed her return trip.
“I feel like I wanted to qualify for state even more this year. The whole team had so much fun when we went last year so we were all super-excited to be going a second time,” she said. “I think the biggest reason for the success we have had in the last two years has been the bond we have as a team. I consider all of the girls some of my closest friends and I believe that the energy and enjoyment we compete with has been a big part in our team’s success.”
