Page 10 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, DECEmbEr 8, 2023 Two Saugus Youth Cheer teams, including Saugus and Revere residents, compete in Nationals By Tara Vocino F or the 2023 season, two Saugus Youth Cheer teams flew to Florida this past Wednesday for a chance to take home a National Championship for Saugus. They performed their routines at Belmont STEAM Academy on Sunday night for families and friends. “This is the ultimate goal and dream for any cheerleader,” Cheer Director/12U Sachems Coach Charlene Berridge said. “Win or lose, I am always so proud of each and every cheerleader in our program.” Saugus Youth Football & Cheer President Greg Bluestein said the journey began this spring when the cheer program hosted its first ever spring clinics. The interest in the program shot up, thanks to the dedication of Berridge and Cheer coaches. “Since August, these 63 girls have worked with great enthusiasm and energy,” Bluestein said. “Our coaches are incredible and spend countless hours, unpaid and on their own time, to help these athletes reach their goal.” Agreeing, Summer O’Brien, a U12 Sachems cheerleader from Saugus, said it’s really exciting to make it to Nationals. “Some of us have been cheering together since kindergarten, so it means even more to go together,” Summer said. Bluestein said the families are incredibly supportive and “the best fan section” at every competition. And he added that Berridge is invested and dedicated to make this the best cheer program in the North Shore. Berridge said she feels so blessed to get a front row seat to watch all of the teams at practices, games and competitions. “These cheerleaders have had such an outpouring of support from our community,” Berridge said. “Many have contributed so much to these families in order to offset the cost of this expensive and last-minute journey. Then, many came out to see them perform on Sunday for the last time in Saugus at a pep rally along with NCYFC Elite and Beverly.” Berridge said she wishes all of the teams the best of luck. The U8 cheer team is coached by Head Coach Jenn Kohr alongside Assistant Coaches Jill Lauziere, Stephanie Bluestein, Stephanie Marquez and Courtney Whitehurst and Junior Coach Audrina Giglio. “The team took first place in all four of their competitions this season, which included first place at the Regional Championship,” Berridge said. “This team of young athletes pushed hard all season putting together a spectacular routine.” After each competition, they came back stronger than ever. Berridge said she is so proud of the coaches and athletes and all that they accomplished this season. “They may be young but they are fierce,” Berridge said. The U12 Cheer Team is led by Head Coach Charlene Berridge alongside Assistant Coaches Allison DiPietro, Casey Alexandre, Jennifer Westerfield and Brooke Brennan and Junior Coaches Camryn Berridge, Kateri Byrd and Katie Barletta. “This team took first place at three out of their four competitions and took third place at the Regional Championship,” Berridge said. “Many of us have been together for many cheer seasons.” This team of 33 athletes is made up of 22 returning cheerleaders and 11 new. This team of athletes seemed to really complement one another. They remained determined and focused on preparing for each competition, according to Berridge. U12 Sachems cheerleader Hannah Strout said this is her first season as a cheerleader, and she never expected to make so many friends and have such great memories. “I’m so excited to have earned our place at Nationals,” Hannah said. “Hopefully, we come home with a trophy.” The NCYFC Elite team is coached by Carrie Stanley (NCYFC Cheer Director) alongside Heather Mason (Beverly), Stacy Vercellini (Melrose), Brooke Brennan (Saugus) and Kelliegh Moses (Charlestown). “This is NCYFC Elite’s first cheer season, which included cheerleaders from Saugus, Peabody, Revere, Melrose and Beverly,” Berridge said. “Two of our own Saugus cheerleaders, Aryanna DiPietro and Holly Berridge, both tried out and made the Elite team.” This team has showcased this season at three competitions and is now heading to Nationals. NCYFC Director Carrie Stanley said the NCYFC is excited to announce its first ever Elite Cheer team – “16 girls from five towns in our organization will come together and make history, as they represent for the first time the NCYFC at AYC Nationals,” Stanley said. Stanley said of the Beverly Panthers that they’re mini but mighty; these six athletes ages eight to 10 from Beverly will compete in Florida this weekend for a chance at the National Title. “It’s been a team effort, and we have beaten some amazing towns to represent New England in Nationals,” Bluestein said. “At the end of the day, these amazing young athletes are the ones on the mat doing these incredible stunts and executing their routines.” (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) 12U Sachems Flyers, shown from left to right: Summer O’Brien, Erica Mpwagi, Mia Powers, Holly Berridge, Liliana Fronduto and Brayleigh Caruso. Northeast Elite in action: Coach Stacy Vercellini and Isabella Marin basing, Holly Berridge flying, Olivia Natale backspotting, Jaylena Funez and Addison Cioffi basing and Lily Burby backspotting. The 8U Sachems displayed their regional trophy. Northeast Elite, shown from left to right: Front row: Holly Berridge, Charlotte Harrity and Daesha Mercier; middle row: Olivia Natale, Aryanna DiPietro, Addison Cioffi, Avery Mason, Katherine Aborn and Coach Stacy Vercellini; back row: Cheer Director Carrie Stanley, Head Coach Heather Mason, Lauren Carson, Gianna Vercellini, Lily Burby, Isabella Marin, Sophia Keane and Coach Kelliegh Moses.
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