Panther
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Cheer
Welcome to Cheer
OYTF Cheer displays our vibrant sideline legacy that unites in perfect harmony with a competitive option, offering the best of both worlds.
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Our Cheer program will have 2 offerings in the 2025 season:
Sideline Only (Available to grades K-4): $325
Sideline + Competition (Available to grades 3-8): $550
Payment plans are available. If the payment plan listed in the registration will not work for your family, please email Samantha Evans at samantha@oytf.org for assistance.
Registration costs for all levels includes:
• Facilities, a family showcase event, game day uniform, personalized yard sign and additional game-day apparel/accessories that each athlete will keep at the end of the season (Pink-Out game-day T-shirt & socks, game-day bows, sweatshirt, and sweatpants).
Parents will be responsible for purchasing white cheer shoes and a navy blue long sleeve body liner (purchase links will be provided after registration).
Each family is required to provide a current sports physical prior to the first day of practice. A current physical must be on file at all times.
For cheer specific questions (not including payment plan inquiries), please contact our Cheer Athletic Director, Dana Butikofer (dana@oytf.org).
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Practices & Team Notes
Please note attendance at all practices and games is mandatory barring special circumstances. Any absences should be communicated to your cheerleader's coach prior to the absence. Missing practices can result in a change of position on the squad.
REVIEW THE SECTIONS BELOW FOR SPECIFICS REGARDING OUR CHEER PROGRAMS
SIDELINE ONLY
The Sideline cheer season runs August-October. Sideline teams cheering for 9U Tackle football teams may see playoff games in November.
Practice details: Tuesdays and Thursdays
8/5-9/6: 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Starting 9/10: 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Games are historically Saturdays or Sundays. It is important to note that some games will be away games and the cheerleaders will be asked to travel (within reason) to support the football teams.
SIDELINE + COMPETITION
The Sideline + Competition cheer season August-November.
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Practice details:
7/29-8/7: Monday – Thursday, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Starting 8/12: Tuesday – Thursday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Times will adjust in September and as the season progresses into competition season.
Indoor practice locations will be communicated as they are confirmed
Summer Skills practices will be offered: calendar will be published after registration.
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**It is important to note that some games will be away games and the cheerleaders will be asked to travel (within reason) to support the football teams.
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Squad Levels Breakdown
SIDELINE + COMPETITION
OYTF Cheer currently competes with Illinois Cheerleading Association (ICA).
Registration for Sideline + Competition also includes competition uniform rental, competition bow, and participation in 2 competitions hosted by Illinois Cheerleading Association (ICA)). Competition dates will not be confirmed until May and will be shared at that time.
NOTE: Uniform rental requires a postdated check as a uniform deposit. This is only to ensure we receive our uniforms back. Once you turn in your uniform at one of our scheduled hand-ins, we hand you back your uncashed check. Details will be provided prior to uniform fitting days.
Cheer Loud
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ICA TATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Any team competing can earn a bid to the State Championship. Any team accepting a bid will continue practice at an adjusted schedule up until the championship event. Parents will be responsible for the state championship entry fee should any team/participant (historically this has been $165/athlete).
ICA State is historically held at Northern Illinois University over a 4-day period from Thursday– Sunday. Final dates for the 2025 State Championship will not be available until spring. We will update this page at that time. 3-5* Grade typically performs Thursday and Saturday 6-8 Grade performs Friday and Sunday.
*5th grade teams may be moved to Friday/Sunday timing if scheduling dictates the need. This will be communicated by ICA if they need to make this decision.