Brooks wins 11th straight cheer title, others make history at city championships

By Dominic Scianna

Three new high schools took top honors and one earned a record 11th straight title at this year’s CPS Cheer Championships held on Saturday, Jan. 25, at Little Village North Lawndale High School.

A total of 21 high schools competed in this year’s Cheer Championship. The format breaks down schools by small, medium, and large squads, as well as a co-ed squad division.

This year’s 2025 title winners included:

Ogden International – Small Division
Brooks College Prep – Medium Division
Lane Tech College Prep – Large Division
Jones College Prep – Co-Ed Division

Coaches, Cheer Participant Quotes

“It definitely comes down to motivation and dedication to win (11 consecutive championships). This year we were led by a very strong squad of juniors and seniors.”

– Tamario Jones, cheerleading coach, Brooks College Prep

“We are proud of our 11 city championships, and I’ve been lucky enough to be on the last four title teams. It feels great to leave the program (in good shape). It’s been a great experience for me and my teammates.”

– Brooklyn Netisingha, senior, Brooks College Prep

“This team works really hard through challenges and difficulties. They raise each other up, pull for each other to do their best, and leave their hearts out on the mat.”

Nicole Vale, Lane Tech College Prep, fourth year as cheerleading coach

“The music started and my mind just went (to the routine). When it ended, pure excitement took over me as I watched my teammates and coaches screaming and crying. And I realized it was my last high school competition and we had won.”

Eleanor Halliday, senior, Lane Tech College Prep

Firsts and Other Storylines

Ogden and Amundsen saw first-time head cheerleading coaches Sheena Davis Crostan and Allie Marcus respectively garnered new-found successes in their first seasons in front of a capacity crowd. Ogden took first place in the small division title to best Rickover Naval Academy and Carver Military Academy for second and third place, while Amundsen finished in second place in the medium division, a top-three finalist for the first time in school history. Back of the Yards placed third.

“Our team was so clean with their routine. We came out ready to perform and bring the energy. I can’t believe it. What a great and historical achievement for us and our school.”

Allie Marcus, Amundsen High School, team finished 2nd in her first year as cheerleading coach

In addition, Jones College Prep and head coach Cherelle Brown took the co-ed division crown to beat out Pritzker College Prep and Hancock College Prep for second and third place respectively during their dynamic routines.

Defending champions from 2024, Kenwood Academy and Taft High School finished second and third in the large division to round out a great day of championship cheerleading competition.

Photos by Ashley Harris/OSA