Cheerleaders Prepare For Nationals

A judge approached Harrison Cheerleading Coach Rosa Acocella after a competition earlier this season, complimenting the coach on her team's energy.

It wasn't a surprise to the coach, who said that her team's passion is what has guided the Huskies to a birth in the UCA National High School Competition in Orlando, FL this weekend. There the Huskies will compete against the top cheer squads in the country, hoping to advance to the national finals for the first time in school history.

"They have a lot of spunk, a lot of personality, and they bring it to the floor," Acocella said. "They are very well trained and they are very strong girls — very strong girls."

The Huskies have been to Florida five times for the national competition, but have never reached the finals — and the national television appearance that comes with it. This year, led by nine seniors, the squad hopes to change that.

"Last year wasn't exactly what we wanted it to be," said Milena Mora—Vindas, one of the squad's seniors. "We had a lot of difficult obstacles to overcome, this year as a senior, I feel like we have that experience."

Over the last two years Harrison cheerleading has taken home championships in various local competitions. In December they in a difficult regional competition at Hofstra University to qualify for nationals. Top finishes have become the expectation for the close-nit squad year after year.

"I think we expected it," senior Danielle Carpiniello said of the team's success this year. "We knew coming in this was going to be great."

The Huskies will depart for Florida early Thursday morning and practice for two days before entering the competition on Saturday. They will need to finish in the top half of their 16-team division to advance to Sunday's final. 

Hundreds of teams from across the country will compete. Only the best from each region are selected, creating a very high level of competition. There is also a variety of routines and styles from teams from as far away as southern California.

"It's just such a great experience," Acocella said. "The girls mouths always drop, we are a great team, but when you see some of these teams down there they are incredible."

This weekend will be the final competition for seniors on the team, which Acocella took time to mention during the team's final tune-up exhibition this week in Harrison. Although it won't be easy, she said this experienced group of Huskies are ready to take their skills to the big stage.

"The feeling is different than any other competition we compete at," said senior Nicole Macllvane. "Having that last big experience in front of the world, we can even be on ESPN, it's a very exciting thing."