BLOOMINGTON — When it comes to cheerleading, the Columbia Eagles have become a dynasty.
Despite moving up a class, the Eagles are state champions for the fourth consecutive year.
The Eagles, under the direction of Robbie and Marla Walters, placed first in the medium team division at the Illinois High School Association's Cheerleading State Final on Saturday at U.S. Cellular Coliseum in Bloomington.
The Eagles won the small-school division the previous three years.
Columbia finished with a score of 90.92, edging out Lemont (90.80) for first place.
Members of the Eagles' squad are: Chloe Alexander, Taylor Allen, Bailey Bradshaw, Caitie Clasquin, Wyndi Frisch, Lexi Grabe, Kristen Grosze, Alyssa Hunsaker, Daisia Hunter, Tony LaFata, Hannah Longust, Emma Marsoun, Rachel McWhorter, Alaina Meyer, Jordan Peters, Jess Raney, Rachel Ratajczyk, Jae Schaffer, Ali Venegoni and Amanda Yochum.
The Central Cougars placed third in the small-school division behind Dwight and (Taylor Ridge) Rockridge.
The Cougars are coached by Julianne Jacob and Lacey Meyer.
Filling out the Cougars squad are: Kate Brown, Ashliegh Dempsey, Courtney Fisher, Carlie Heimann, Haley Holtmann, Samantha Kassen, Alissa Koch, Tea Kruep, Abril De La Cruz, Ciara Lohman, Amber Mondt, Mackenzie Munie, Katrina Rakers, Taylor Ratermann, Haley Shirley and Melissa Wolters.
In the coed division, the Mascoutah Indians came in fourth.
The Indians had a score of 89.60. Buffalo Grove took first place at 92.48, Barrington was second 90.34 and (Fox Lake) Grant was third at 89.64.
The Indians are coached by Laura Wager and Jessica Holtgrewe.
Jessica Bradley, Kelsey Bryant, Bailey Chrisman, Tori Hodge, Ceilidh Hubert, Kayla Keck, Cassie Klopmeyer, Destiny Miller, Crystal Neumann, Madison Pearman, Jordan Rasch, Ryan Richter, Ileana Saladrigas, Taylor Schmidt, Emily Seelhoefer, Ryanne Sirtak, Aylissa Skimehorn, Cierra Stanley and Kaitlin Whittom are members of the Indians.
The Highland Bulldogs placed eighth and the Triad Knights placed ninth among the medium schools, while the Carlyle Indians placed eighth among the small schools.
