On December 14, the New Hyde Park varsity cheer team competed at UCA Empire State Regionals at Farmingdale State College, earning first place accolades for their Traditional routine. This secured their placement on the national level and elevated them to a top seed regionally.
Earlier, on December 6, the team competed at UCA Keystone Regionals at Santander Arena in Reading, PA, securing a bid to the National High School Cheerleading Championship. The team has consistently earned top scores this fall season, competing and placing in several competitions.
The team began participating in competitive events three years ago. This past season, they became county finalists, placing sixth, making history as the first to do so at New Hyde Park. At UCA Keystone Regionals, the team placed third in Gameday and second in Traditional, earning a bid to nationals for their both routines.
Coach Westwater is incredibly proud of the team’s success and growth throughout the season.
“I’m really proud of the girls and how well they worked this season. Outside of the wins, their attitudes and hard work really made me proud of them,” said Coach Westwater. “Our team is only as successful as the motivation of the athletes on the team.”
The year is split into two seasons: the fall and winter seasons. During these seasons, the team practices about two hours, most days of the week. During the fall season, they compete in Gameday routines, where they focus on their energy, facial expressions and impressing the crowd. However, the winter season is focused on stunts and tumbling and is often filled with competitions every weekend.
“I really enjoy participating in competitions. Being able to see the results of our practice and performing to the best of my ability is such a good feeling” said junior Grace Kuskowski. “I enjoy sitting with the team during competitions and hanging out with them.”
Their practices involve rehearsing routines repeatedly, while being judged by their coaches, to mock a competition setting. Additionally, they rewatch film tapes looking to see where they can improve. During practice, they hope to run as many routines as possible, focusing on perfecting them. Although practice is a key to their success, the team is also driven by their love for each other and school, as they love representing New Hyde Park.
“Our team is only as successful as the motivation of the athletes on the team. If they didn’t love each other and the group, we wouldn’t be as successful,” said Coach Westwater.
“As a team, we couldn’t be prouder of everything we’ve achieved together, and we can’t wait to see what this season has in store,” said junior Sarah Cano.
Students share their views on the cheer team and this achievement.
“This team has worked incredibly hard all year and they truly deserve this bid to nationals. Their dedication energy, and commitment to representing our school at the highest level make this achievement something everyone can be proud of,” said freshman Areesha Demas.
