The Chester High School cheerleaders competed in the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association state competition Jan. 8 and9 in Springfield.

Chester finished 18th in the Small Varsity category. There were 30 schools who advanced to state in that category.

Chester qualified for state in the small varsity division at the invitational held Dec. 12 in Pinckneyville.

Chester also won the cheerleading award at the recent Chester Invitational Tournament.

Members of the cheerleading squad are Hannah Blechle, Alex Hennrich, Emma Eggemeyer, Savanna Guebert, Reese McCormick, Ellen McCormick, Dyson Helmers, Bethany Baughman, Peyton Cole and Kourtney Welton.

Danielle Laramore is cheer coach and Kandice Williams assistant coach.