The Minooka cheerleaders are looking to make some noise this season, coming off a 22nd-place state finish last year.

They have lot of youth this season. Eight out of the 20 girls are freshmen on the team, and 17 out of the 20 girls on the team are underclassmen.

“A lot of new people are on the team,” Taya Talbot, sophomore, said. “A lot of new girls.”

This cheer squad may be young but they have a lot of fire in them.

“(We’re doing) a lot better than last season,” Halyee Schultz, sophomore, said.

Many of the team members have high hopes for the upcoming season run.

“I hope at least top 3 in each competition,” Analese Martinez, sophomore, said.  

Not only is Martinez aiming high for this season, Talbot is as well, who was on the team last year.

“Hoping to hit at competitions,” Talbot said, “Keep pushing at competitions and go to state.”

A new face is among the team, new coach Ms. Kelly Bielec, who is adding more flame and a different style to the team.

“She cheered through college,” Schultz said. “She has a lot of skills.”

Having most of the team made up of underclassmen means that with years to come, many of them will build of years of experience since being on the team a long time.