By Allison Richmond Beschner l May 4, 2021
It's a sweep for the Montgomery High School Varsity Competition Cheer team.
The MHS cheer squad made history by placing first at the 2021 (Virtual) Universal Cheerleaders Association National High School Cheerleading Championship, (usually held in Orlando, Florida) on April 23, for the third year in a row.
Though the team competed virtually from the Upper Middle School gym, the competition was intense and the team persevered amidst a global pandemic, injuries, and a long season of uncertainty. In addition to securing the championship title for a “three-peat” in the Small Game Day category, the team also placed in the top three of the highly competitive Small Coed Cheer Division, a first for MHS Cheer.
As if winning the National Championship was not enough, on April 11, the squad swept the NJ State Cheer and Dance Association Competition, placing first for both of their routines, in the Small Game Day and Varsity Coed Divisions. The team won NJ State Small Game Day Champions in 2018 and 2019.
Members of the team include seniors Zach Feola, Amanda Krowiak, Alex Mallon and Mia Masessa, juniors Katie Ruckelshaus, Asia Russell and Gianna Taylor, sophomores Alexis Beschner, Paige Gallagher, Erin Glennon, Coco Lainez, Paige Morrison, Maddie Shea, Maddy Steele and Gabby Vernon and freshmen Marielle Kowals and Lilly Walsh. The team is coached by Head Coach Marisa DiCristina, along with Assistant Coaches Dana Castronovo, Haley Gregson and Mandy Cahill.
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The team is proud of these wins and has earned a place in the history books of MHS athletics. Looking ahead to next season, the team is hoping for more normalcy, and a chance to defend their championship titles.
MHS Cheer will be holding an information meeting for the 2021-2022 season via Zoom on May 20 for rising 9-12 graders, who want to show their Monty spirit and be a part of this championship program.
Tryouts will be held at UMS on June 1 through June 3 from 5 to 7:30 pm.
Please contact Coach Marisa DiCristina at mdicristina@mtsd.us with any questions.
Allison Richmond Beschner is the MHS Cheer Booster Club President.
