Selectmen Honor National Champion Pop Warner "D" Team Cheerleader

WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington's National Champion "D" Team cheerleaders and their coaches were honored at Monday's Selectmen meeting. The team, made up of third to sixth graders, won the Pop Warner Junior Peewee Level 3 Large category in December, at the national championship at Disney World. The team members and coaches were presented with certificates from the board, and performed a short cheer for the audience.

"Most teams that win the national championship end up going to the White House. This is one step up," said Selectmen Chair Greg Bendel. "This is 29 of the finest athletes that Wilmington has to offer. We're incredibly proud of this group."

Bendel said he saw the team perform at Homecoming and immediately knew they were destined for success. He presented each player individually with a certificate, calling them by name.

Head coach Deb Smith spoke on behalf of the team.

"You can see how young they are. They're a level 3 competing cheerleading team, which would usually be a high school team," Smith said.

The team performs stunts that cheerleaders their age would not usually perform, Smith said.

The team's brief performance at the meeting is available via WCTV's recording, below. The Town Crier spoke to coaches after the team's victory in December.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.