Great Oak Middle School Lady Spartans Compete in Cheer and Dance Challenge

By Nancy Sasso Janis

The Quinnipiac Acrobatics and Tumbling team teamed up with the Quinnipiac Athletic Student Trainers Club to present the tenth annual Cheer and Dance Challenge.

The event was held on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Recreation Center on the Mount Carmel Campus to benefit the Connecticut March of Dimes and the Kendall Pallone Trust Fund.

The Kendall Pallone Trust Fund, which was founded by acrobatics and tumbling head coach Mary Ann Powers in 2012, is a fund to assist with the medical needs of Kendall Pallone. Kendall is the daughter of Adam Pallone, one of Quinnipiac’s Athletic Trainers.

Throughout the day, the acrobatics and tumbling team hosted approximately 75 cheer squads and dance teams from across Connecticut in a friendly competition.

Oxford’s Great Oak Middle School Lady Spartans traveled to Quinnipiac to compete and represented their hometown in admirable fashion.

In the Top Gun Jumper competition, Emily Baktis took first place, Marissa Dilulio took second, and Mackesie Sill placed third. In the Top Gun Tumbler group, Emily Baktis placed first and Danielle Barbiero took second place.

The GOMS students also earned first place in All Girl Stunt Group, first place in Junior High Cheer team, Most Original Cheer Routine and Grand Champion Overall.

Way to go Lady SPARTANS!

Photo of the Lady Spartans by Amy Cote