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Benton’s cheerleading squad is heading to state competition after winning the ICCA (Illinois Cheerleaders and Coaches Association) regional at Vienna High School on Saturday.
Benton competes in both ICCA and IHSA (Illinois High School Association) divisions.
The ICCA state championships are held in Springfield in February, while the girls will compete at the Highland Sectional on January 30 in IHSA competition.
ICCA used to be the only recognized platform for state cheerleading competition before the IHSA recognized cheerleading as a sport in 2004 and opened a state series.
“We have qualified for ICCA state championships in nine of the 10 years I have coached at the high school level,” Benton cheerleading coach Linda Smith said. “The ICCA hosts many regionals all over the state and a squad must attain a certain score to qualify for the state competition.
“Last year my girls placed fifth at the ICCA state level,” she said.
The ICCA also has a scholarship program for seniors based on grades, community service, school involvement and coaches’ recommendations.
“Every year Benton has been proudly represented as ICCA scholarship recipients,” Smith said.
In the IHSA state series, there are five sectionals and the top five scores in each division advance to state competition.
“Our division size is determined by our school enrollment just as it is in other sports,” said Smith. “The sectional will take place on January 30 in Highland.
“We have a great bunch of girls, who have worked hard for these competitions.”
Members of the cheerleading squad are: Malaynia Bennett, Kailey Neal, Courtney Bell, Alecia Hammond, Kelsey Page, Charlee Hall, Kayla Haney, Abbie Jerrells, Cassidy Neal, Makennah Miller, Kaitlyn Talley, Kaitlin Hurley, and Alison Webster.
Benton’s cheerleading squad is heading to state competition after winning the ICCA (Illinois Cheerleaders and Coaches Association) regional at Vienna High School on Saturday.
Benton competes in both ICCA and IHSA (Illinois High School Association) divisions.
The ICCA state championships are held in Springfield in February, while the girls will compete at the Highland Sectional on January 30 in IHSA competition.
ICCA used to be the only recognized platform for state cheerleading competition before the IHSA recognized cheerleading as a sport in 2004 and opened a state series.
“We have qualified for ICCA state championships in nine of the 10 years I have coached at the high school level,” Benton cheerleading coach Linda Smith said. “The ICCA hosts many regionals all over the state and a squad must attain a certain score to qualify for the state competition.
“Last year my girls placed fifth at the ICCA state level,” she said.
The ICCA also has a scholarship program for seniors based on grades, community service, school involvement and coaches’ recommendations.
“Every year Benton has been proudly represented as ICCA scholarship recipients,” Smith said.
In the IHSA state series, there are five sectionals and the top five scores in each division advance to state competition.
“Our division size is determined by our school enrollment just as it is in other sports,” said Smith. “The sectional will take place on January 30 in Highland.
“We have a great bunch of girls, who have worked hard for these competitions.”
Members of the cheerleading squad are: Malaynia Bennett, Kailey Neal, Courtney Bell, Alecia Hammond, Kelsey Page, Charlee Hall, Kayla Haney, Abbie Jerrells, Cassidy Neal, Makennah Miller, Kaitlyn Talley, Kaitlin Hurley, and Alison Webster.
