Louisburg cheer earns state runner-up finish in 4A Game Day showcase

TOPEKA — The Louisburg High School cheer team added another trophy to its growing collection on Nov. 22, earning the Class 4A state runner-up title at the Game Day Cheer Championships at Stormont-Vail Events Center.

The Wildcats posted an 87.73 in the finals to take second place behind defending state champion Paola, which won with a 94.27. Holton finished third at 85.

For Louisburg, the return to the podium was nothing new. The Wildcats have now finished in the top three six times in the last seven seasons, cementing themselves as one of the state’s most consistent programs.

Louisburg entered the finals in fourth place, boosted by a Fight Song and Crowd Leading routine that ranked second among all teams. The Wildcats had roughly 20 minutes to review score sheets and adjust before stepping back onto the mat—pressure they handled with poise.

“It was truly a special day for all of us,” head coach Breanna Kostroske said. “From the moment we arrived, the athletes were focused, calm, and determined. They’ve poured so much into this season, so seeing them step onto the mat with confidence and joy made the entire experience incredibly meaningful.”

Kostroske said the moment resonated deeply for both veterans and newcomers.

“For our seniors, it was a moment they’ve been working toward for years, and for our younger athletes, it showed what’s possible through commitment and teamwork,” she said.

When the Wildcats climbed from fourth to second in the finals, the emotions ran high.

“Earning the runner-up title was surreal,” Kostroske said. “We were proud, emotional, and genuinely grateful. The team put out one of their strongest performances of the year at exactly the right time. And being able to keep the top two spots within Miami County made it even more special.”

Their preliminary performance set the stage for a special day for Louisburg as it got out to a great start with its Fight Song and Crowd Leading performance that helped put them in the top six to make the finals.

“The team handled prelims really well,” Kostroske said. “Their fight song and crowd-leading felt strong, and they stepped off the mat knowing they had set themselves up for a chance at finals. When we heard our name announced, the reaction was pure joy—cheering, some tears, lots of hugs.”

Louisburg’s finals routine came with the added challenge of competing against a Paola team that has now won four state titles in the last five years.  

“The team knew the finals would be tough, especially with a talented Paola squad in the mix, but they went in confident in their preparation,” Kostroske said. “Even with the quick turnaround, they stayed composed and focused. Their ability to adapt and elevate their performance showed just how strong and resilient this group really is.”

Kostroske said this year’s squad has been defined by its dedication.

“This is one of the hardest-working groups I’ve ever coached,” she said. “They train year-round—tryouts in March, the season starts in April, then summer practices, skills camps, and regular practices once school begins. We usually practice two days a week for four hours each, and before state, they were practicing four days a week for four hours to perfect every detail.”

Members of the team are: Laney Stohs, Kayleigh Ramsey, Julia Combs, Wiktoria Sulzc, Harper Boyle, Brooklyn Roney, Kim Powls, Will Leach, Reese Anderson, Addison Bishop, Reece Younggren, Kelsey Shelton, Gretchen Reitz, Lilly Burnett, Elle Keating, Leia Ward, Kinsley Rayne, Brylee Manson, Evalyn Cannon and Saylor Dansel.

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