Pana High School’s cheerleading team is headed to the IHSA sectional competition.  They will perform at Edwardsville High School this Saturday alongside 68 other teams.  Every team will be aiming to be among the few to qualify for the state finals, set for the following weekend in Bloomington.  For Pana, this is their first time at this stage of the season in 14 years, making the accomplishment extra special. 

Carly Bland, Bow Lenover, and Lila Wallace are among the members of the cheer team.  Their team had to place well enough in smaller competitions throughout the season to qualify for the sectionals.

The trio say the atmosphere at competitions is intense, but they feel supported, even by other teams. 

The belief among team members that they could succeed grew as the season progressed.

Lenover, Wallace, and Bland credit their coach, Gretchen Bland, for helping foster a positive attitude throughout the group.

The three team members also provide advice to those considering taking up cheerleading.  They say it’s important to remain committed to the activity.

More information on the state series in competitive cheerleading is available at www.ihsa.org. 

Carly Bland, Bow Lenover, and Lila Wallace appeared as guests on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.