The Patriot varsity cheer team is heading to Mizzou tomorrow to compete for the state title. 

For many girls, making it to state was a shock. 

“I was surprised but ultimately excited,” said sophomore Karoline Sevic. “We started preparing for state and comp very recently. Last year we started preparing in the summer, where this year we started later so it feels more rushed.”

Sophomore Grace Amad talked about one of the biggest struggles the team faced this cheer season.

“Finding consistency in our routine because we changed it from regionals so we have to find our sweet spot in stunts and tumbling and hitting our dance,” she said. 

For team captain Shelby Wright, their coach, Tara Sielfleisch, is the reason for the team’s success. Last year the cheer squad went through multiple coaches. Sielfleisch didn’t respond to interview requests.  

“If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have reached this and pushed ourselves this far,” Wright said. 

Team bonds are stronger than ever this year, according to Sevic.

“I think [the bond] is very strong and stronger than last year.” Sevic said. “There are some problems here and there, but we are able to work them out. We are able to support one another and work as a team.”

Patriot cheerleading last won a state title in 2018. Before that, it had been 17 years since the squad took home a title in 2001. Making it to state this year is a huge accomplishment, according to junior Jayden Beck.

“It feels good because last year we weren’t able to because of our coach,” Beck said, “and we prepared ourselves and are going on a good note.”

While preparing for state, the team focuses on making sure they proudly represent South, according to Wright.

“People knowing my character and personality, not just my skills, and representing our school in a positive way,” she said.