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Waterloo Today
By the People, for the People
IHSA Competitive Cheer Finals Today With Several Area Teams Represented
Preliminary rounds were held on Friday, with the finals taking place on Saturday.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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The IHSA State Competitive Cheer finals are this weekend, with several area teams advancing to the final round after strong performances in the preliminary round on Friday. In Class 1A, Breese Central won the preliminary round, with Columbia, Carterville, Mater Dei, DuQuoin, and Pinckneyville also finishing in the top 10 to move on. In Class 2A, Triad advanced after finishing 4th in the prelims. In Class 3A, Edwardsville finished 3rd in the preliminary round to secure a spot in the finals.
Why it matters
Competitive cheer is a popular high school sport in Illinois, with teams from across the state competing for state championships. The IHSA finals represent the culmination of the season for these athletes, who have worked hard to reach this point. The strong showings by several local teams highlight the talent and dedication of these programs.
The details
The IHSA State Competitive Cheer finals feature preliminary rounds on Friday, with the top teams advancing to the final round on Saturday. In Class 1A, Breese Central won the preliminary round, followed by Columbia, Carterville, Mater Dei, DuQuoin, and Pinckneyville in the top 10. Vienna, Wood River, and Benton did not advance. In Class 2A, Triad finished 4th in the prelims to move on, while Waterloo, Mascoutah, Highland, and Civic Memorial did not advance. In Class 3A, Edwardsville finished 3rd in the preliminary round to secure a spot in the finals.
- The IHSA State Competitive Cheer finals were held on February 7, 2026.
- Preliminary rounds took place on Friday, February 6, 2026.
- The final round of competition was held on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The players
Breese Central
A high school in Breese, Illinois that won the Class 1A preliminary round of the IHSA State Competitive Cheer finals.
Columbia
A high school in Columbia, Illinois that finished second in the Class 1A preliminary round of the IHSA State Competitive Cheer finals.
Triad
A high school in Triad, Illinois that finished fourth in the Class 2A preliminary round of the IHSA State Competitive Cheer finals.
Edwardsville
A high school in Edwardsville, Illinois that finished third in the Class 3A preliminary round of the IHSA State Competitive Cheer finals.
The takeaway
The strong performances by several local teams in the IHSA State Competitive Cheer finals showcase the depth of talent and dedication in high school cheer programs across southern Illinois. These athletes have worked hard to reach this point, and their success highlights the growth and popularity of this sport in the region.
