On Feb. 3, the Niles North Co-Ed cheer team received their send-off after gaining a spot to go to state with their top five placement on Jan. 28.

On Jan 28, the Vikings competed in the IHSA Sectional at Buffalo Grove to determine whether they’d be able to participate in the IHSA State competition.  The team placed 5th overall in the competition, setting a date to compete at the State championship. 

“This year, our main goal was to really focus on solidifying some of our foundational skills so that we can get to the level of being competitive as some of the schools that ended up going to state were,” Niles North cheer coach Alexandra Landon said. “It was a slow climb, but we got to where we needed to be skills wise to be able to compete on that level…and we were able to pull through at Sectionals.” 

At state, the Vikings competed on both Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 but fell short in their advancement to the State finals.

“The experience at state was electrifying for many, and it really gave a big picture about what (cheer) is all about, which is a lot of athleticism, a lot of dedication, and a lot of family support as well,” Coach Landon said. “The (cheer team) honestly seemed really impressed by the whole experience, and are really looking forward to possibly getting to be even more competitive in the years to come.”

Even in defeat, the Vikings have a positive view of this experience and look to build upon it. 

Though the Vikings didn’t move on, their participation at State shows what the future could hold for the team.

“Them being as young as they are-the majority are sophomores, we have one junior, and then maybe a couple of freshmen-shows the potential they have. We really have a very young team, and with the hopes that we can continue to work as hard as they have towards the end of our competitive season, we have high hopes for what the next few years have to come for them for sure,” Coach Landon said. 

With all of this experience, it is expected that the Vikings will be back next season and better than ever.