Cheshire Junior Cheer Team Wins Bid to Nationals

In an intense journey that began last August, the Junior Team Cheerleaders of Cheshire Junior Football and Cheer won a bid to the American Youth Football and Cheer National Championship in Kissimmee, Fla., Dec. 14 and 15. 

These young cheerleaders (grades five and six) and their coaches have worked tirelessly beginning the month of August through November in a race to be the best in their division. At last, on Nov. 23, they competed in their Regional finals and placed second in the New England Conference. They are now headed to Florida in anticipation of competing in the AYF/AYC 2013 National Championship.

Fundraising efforts are now in full swing by parents and the other Cheshire cheer teams to offset costs for the team. 

"These girls, many who have either never cheered before or have never competed, have worked very hard and their efforts paid off by placing at Regionals.” said Alysa Worthy, head coach. “We only have 12 cheerleaders, but what we lack in numbers we make up for in sheer will and determination. These girls are a joy to coach, always willing to learn and always happy even when we need to be serious.”

“We now have a tremendous opportunity to represent Cheshire Junior Cheerleading for the first time at Nationals in Florida," Worthy said. "We hope to perform well, enjoy the experience, and have fun every step along the way!’ 

In addition to the Junior team, both the Youth and Senior teams also competed at the same venues. The Cheshire Junior Cheer organization entered the competitive circuit in 2012 for the first time. They have hit the ground running. 

"Our organization continues to grow,” Cheer Coordinator Monica Oris said. “Youth cheer has gone from 10 cheerleaders at the program inception early on, to almost 90 cheerleaders this year! Now we are competitive, traveling to local and regional competitions. Our Senior team placed first at States this year, Juniors placed at Regionals, while our Youth Team competed for their first time this year- all great success in two years’ time.” 

Cheshire youth cheer is a feeder program to the towns’ highly competitive High School cheer team. Many of the girls who are high school cheerleaders now cheered with the program when they were young. Every year, many of these same kids also participate in community service, and become student coaches for our cheer teams.

“This is a win-win for both programs," states Oris. The cheer team was congratulated publicly at the CHS Thanksgiving Day football game on Nov. 28, next to two other teams: the fourth grade and eighth grade "A" football teams, who both won their football championship games in November.

The team will be hosting a bake sale fundraiser at Bagelicious Bagels, 945 South Main Street, Cheshire on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

To contribute to their fundraising effort, you may also send a check made out to CJF (memo-“cheer”), and your name will be added to the donor list on the CJF website. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 171, Cheshire, CT 06410.

For more information, contact Monica Oris at orisfamily@att.net.