The MacArthur High School Varsity Cheerleaders, advised by Lisa Nessler, were thrilled with their victory last week at the Universal Cheerleading Association’s Empire Northeast Regional Competition.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, the team attended UCA’s competition at Hofstra, where teams from the tri-state area competed in many different divisions, each hoping to receive an invitation bid to perform at Nationals.
The MacArthur cheerleaders faced experienced and tough rivals, but gave everything they had. When they were called to the mat, the Generals executed a nearly flawless routine.
For the past five years, the MacArthur Varsity Cheerleading team has been building its program in hopes to compete not only in LICCA (Long Island Coach’s Cheerleading Association), but also in competitions outside of New York. In order to do this, particular stunting and tumbling skills are required. The MacArthur team has been working in off seasons, pre-seasons and throughout their regular seasons, in weight rooms, outside gyms and at practice, to master these abilities.
At the day’s end, trophies and bids were awarded. In the medium varsity division, the MacArthur cheerleading team received a fourth place trophy, a fine tribute to its talent and direction. The coup de grâce was finally proclaimed, as the Generals received the long awaited ‘white envelope’ inviting them to UCA’s National Competition in Orlando, Florida, aired on ESPN.
The Nationals will be held from Feb. 12-15, 2010 and will feature teams throughout the United States. When asked to comment on their triumph, MacArthur Captains Paige Apfelbaum, Jayme Elia and Erin Malloy answered, “It’s about confidence, determination and most important, heart!”
