Harrison Cheer: En Route to Nationals

I hold my breath as Miranda Chiarella, a freshman Flier, launches into the air, spins, and lands in the arms of her fellow cheerleaders. Or -- as they're now called, thanks to a recent ruling in Harrison -- cheer athletes.

"Its about time we're recognized as a sport for our athletic ability," said Sharon MacInnes, coordinator of the Harrison Cheerleader Alumni Association, and mom of junior Jenny MacInnes. "Our girls have worked very hard to reach the point they're at now."

That point is on the road to Universal Cheerleaders Association National High Scholl Cheer Cheerleading Championship. The competition will take place Feb. 13-14 at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. With a new trainer and fresh routine, the squad is feeling more confident than ever.

"I've been teaching gymnastics for over 10 years," said Kamisi Simmons, the squad's newly instated tumbling coach. "Out of all the students I've taught, Harrison High School is ahead by far in terms of dedication, motivation, and work ethic."

Simmons and Coach Rosa Acocella incorporate intensive workout techniques into the squad's daily practices: running, lunges, squats, core, arm, back, and shoulder exercises, to name a few.

"This season we've added flair and spice to our sets," added Acocella. "Our goal was to make it to Nationals, which will be a 3-part competition, and televised on ESPN."

The girls vary in age, height, and experience level, but have an obvious camaraderie. They take turns in explaining to me the different positions they each hold on the squad: apparently, the seniors are the "floor," meaning the support system, or the base "pillars" as the girls call it.

"For every flier there are 2 bases and 1 back-spot," said senior Jessica Cantalupo. "The style of the tricks we're doing has gotten more difficult, but it's definitely paying off in competitions."

This season has seen the squad place in 3^rd at Regional's, 2^nd at the County Center competition, and made it to the Grand Championships on a wildcard. Overall, the team has participated in 10 competitions, and taken home trophies from nine of them.

"Most people think our season ends with football," said senior Allie Citarella,  "but our competitions go way beyond the school sports seasons."

I notice the girls are very comfortable in speaking up, in telling me about their sport, and in demonstrating their well-practiced routines.

"Among the best things about the squad, besides how well they're doing, are the relationships that build from it," said Acocella. "Now that we're considered a sport and with the improvements made this season, we're seeing more of a commitment, and the girls are more serious about it."

The Harrison cheer athletes and the alumni association have their work cut out for them: in addition to Nationals, the alumni association will be holding its 2^nd annual dinner and fundraiser on Saturday, June 12^th at the Purchase Firehouse, on Anderson Hill Road, at 7pm. The eight graduating seniors will be inducted into the association and honored by the past cheer squads. Tickets for the fundraiser go on sale April 1^st. For more information, contact: hhscheeralumni@optonline.net. 

The following athletes makeup the Harrison High School Cheerleaders:

Seniors: Allie Citarella, Kristen DeRosa, Julia Brefere, Katie Vallarelli, Christina Riccobono, Brittany DeLano, Jessica Cantalupo, Gina Antonucci

Juniors: Jenny MacInnes, Angelica Catalano, Milena Mora Vindas, Dana Annattone, Mandy Quigley, Danielle Carpiniello, Alyssa Maida, Nicole MacIlvane, Alexa Basciano

Sophomores: Allie Fuller, Christie Suozzo

Freshmen: Miranda Chiarela, Samantha Chiarella, Breanna Srgo, Caroline Gaeta