Tigersharks Cheerleaders Earn Right to Bid for a Trip to Nationals

The Pacifica Tigersharks Cheer teams competed in the Peninsula Pop Warner Championships on November 1st, bringing home 2nd and 3rd place trophies. They also earned a spot at the Regional Competition on November 28, 2014. The top two teams at Regionals will be invited to compete at Nationals at Disney World from December 6-13, 2014.

The Tigersharks fielded four teams at Championships; two non-competitive teams (Tiny-Mites & Challengers) and two competitive teams (Jr. Pee Wees & Jr. Midgets).

The Tiny-Mites, ages 5-7, performed a challenging routine with a full choreographed dance, tumbling, and stunts. The girls were loud, precise, and impressed the crowd with their attitude and charisma. Led by Head Coach Alyssa Negrette and Assistant Coach Mayalani Callaghan, the girls delighted!

The Challengers performed their cheer, “Superstars” and danced to the all-time favorite “Let It Go”, complete with tumbling, spectacular jumps, and huge smiles. The Challengers brought the house down. Their spirit shined! The Challengers are led by Head Coach Jayme Ng and Assistant Coach Gabi Nevin.

The Jr. Pee Wees, ages 8-10, were virtually flawless while performing an incredibly challenging routine, just narrowly missing first place. The girls rocked a fast-paced, highly technical routine, receiving no deductions for their performance. For most of the girls on the team, this is their first competitive season. The challenging routine included basket tosses, a full liberty pyramid, three tumbling passes, one-leg stunts and an extremely exciting dance routine. Led by Head Coach Chelsea Rutledge and Assistant Coach Jayme Ng, the girls’ performance earned them a second place trophy and an invitation to Regionals!

The Jr. Midgets, ages 10-13, turned out a stellar performance against a crowded field of talented teams. Earning a third place trophy, the girls’ routine was strong, exciting, and executed to near perfection. The routine featured tumbling runs, moving stunt groups, one-leg stunts, high jumps, basket tosses, and a difficult pyramid of two full liberty stunts. Led by Head Coach Deirdrah Racine and Athletic Director Nicole Mercurio, the girls finished a respectful third place, knocking out two strong competitors to earn the final invitation to Regionals.

Both the Jr. Pee Wee & Jr. Midget teams are advancing to the Regional Championships on November 28th, where they will compete against teams from the Pacific Northwest (Alaska through Nevada), for an invitation to compete in the National Championships in Orlando, FL.

The honor of competing in Nationals comes with the responsibility of raising travel funds for the girls to attend the competition, starting on December 6th. The teams are currently holding fundraisers and welcome any donations! The Truth, Pacifica’s local tattoo and piercing art studio, and Devil’s Slide Tap Room is hosting the 2nd Annual THANKFEST on Saturday, November 29th, to benefit the Tigersharks’ Travel Fund. This awesome event includes musical performances, starting at 12PM; music starting at 4PM. An all-day attractions bracelet allows guests to enjoy the many fun activities being offered, such as a rock climbing wall, zorbs, and more, and only costs $15! There will be a Silent Auction and $50 tattoos. Food and beverages will be sold by Devil’s Slide Tap oom, who is donating a generous portion of proceeds to the Tigersharks.

If you would like to contribute but won’t be able to make it to these events, you can donate to the travel fund directly by sending a check, payable to Pacifica Tigersharks, P.O. Box 551, Pacifica, CA 94044. No amount is too small. All donations are tax deductible. All donations are much appreciated!

The cheerleaders also have a GoFundMe page, where you make direct donations as well:

www.gofundme.com/tigersharkscheer

CONGRATULATIONS to the Pacifica Tigersharks cheer teams and we hope to see you at THANKFEST!

Tiny-Mites: Lelenia Aurilio, Lelina Aurilio, Cadence Beevers, Adela Hettinger, Mariyah Mahasin, Malia Morris, Madison Negrette, and Malia Walsh.

Challengers: Andrea Blake, Adela Hettinger, and Mariyah Mahasin.

Jr. Pee Wees: Alexis Apoian, Alyiah Bautista, Jade Blume, Ella Christensen, Izabella Cota, Mary Lou Forsyth, Marybeth Gonzalez, Celeste Grabowski, Alex Harris, Olivia Lacourciere, Danika Nelly, and Natalie Tanner.

Jr. Midgets: Haley Brode, Katherine Gonzalez, Phoebe Grabowski, Amanda Hettinger, Ameerah Mahasin, Kailah Messer, Kylie Morgan, Lauren Nevin, Alexa O’Callaghan, Adora Pitcock, Zoe Roberts, and Kaly Winston.