WEST HIGH POMS TAKE FIRST, QUALIFY FOR STATE COMPETITION

The West Aurora High School varsity and junior varsity pom squads both took first place at the Glenbard East Invitational Halftime Illinois competition on Jan. 28.

The varsity squad, which won in the small group jazz category, scored high enough to qualify for the State Competition, which will be held March 5 at Benedictine University. The varsity squad includes: Krystal Coppes, Melissa Shoemaker, Jasmine Brown, Lauren Fox, Maggie Day, Nicole Oros, Kristen Schmied, Kim Golden, Amy Kluber, Shannon Fritz, Zoee Weiss and Ana Gatze.

The junior varsity took first place in the JV-pom category. The squad includes: Breanna Lange, Justine Johnson, Amanda Messman, Jenny Beatty, Amanda Haley, Brittany Kennedy, Brittany Pozzi, Heather Pozzi, Tina Perez, Pilar Perez, Jerlisa Mitchell, Becca Sintes, Kim Yario, Amy Pierce and Alyssa Tatar.

Lindsay Townsend is the head coach and Mary Mungia is the assistant coach.

The pom squads perform at West High during home basketball games. The next competitions for the squads are Feb. 19 at Maine East High School and Feb. 26 at Lyons Township High School.