The varsity poms team head to Bloomington, IL to compete in the state competition today after school.

This year will be the first year that poms has officially been declared an IHSA sport.

“It feels really good, because we’re actually being recognized. It’s good to know that the school supports us,”  junior and captain Isabel Ramirez said.

The news came as a surprise to Ramirez, who said that they only thought that they would place sixth at previous competitions. With the help of coach Christine Widelle, senior captains Evangeline Alpogianis and Alison Check, as well as junior captains Ramirez and Emily Topp, the girls actually ended up placing fourth and qualifying for state.

Their preparations over the past few months have included intense practices every day after school including days off from school. New choreography has also been included into the girls’ routines.

As for the upcoming competition, the girls are anticipating the new changes that have been implemented.

Junior Marie Clair said that the rules of the competition have been altered. The girls will now be judged more harshly on dance moves and fundamentals including hip hop, kick, lyrical, and poms and how they incorporate them in their routines.

The team hopes to score in the top 10 at state, which they do believe is possible.

“I think we’re good,” Ramirez said.

Next weekend, the poms squad will head to Orlando, FL to compete in nationals.