Cheerleaders Take Another Shot at Nationals

Inexperience, injuries and a more difficult routine are only a few of the obstacles Harrison's varsity cheerleading team faced this year.

But despite their share of challenges, coach Rosa Acocella's Husky cheer squad has qualified for the UCA National High School Competition in Orlando, FL, for the sixth consecutive year.

The squad has quietly put together an impressive resume that includes a conference championship and four first place finishes including a win at their most recent event at Putnam Valley High School.

Acocella credits the team's work ethic and dedication to their craft as the reason for this year's success.

"They are just all work," the coach said of her 24-member cheer squad. "They don't talk, they don't mess around, they just work hard."

That's not to say this year's team hasn't had its share of obstacles. A large senior class graduated a year ago, leaving only two seniors on this year's squad. Injuries also left the cheerleaders short-handed during several competitions.

But the girls rose to the occasion.

"It's a great combination, the older girls are able to teach the younger girls lots of new things, but the younger girls are very quick to grasp and very eager to learn," she said. "You wouldn't know they are younger."

The UCA National Competition is regarded as one of the most competitive in the country. It is the most impressive competition the Huskies face every year, presenting a big step up from their local schedule.

This year's team will leave early on Thursday, practice for two days and begin competition on Saturday. If they finish in the top half of their division, they will advance to the televised final on Sunday.

Harrison has never been able to crack into the second day of the competition, but they've come close. Acocella said she hopes a more difficult routine will make the difference this year for her squad. The team plans on using more dance and twisting stunts, which are more difficult and haven't been done as much in the past.

After building some momentum during their local schedule, Acocella said she is hopeful this will be the year the Huskies make history by breaking into the second day of competition.

"They are a very strong team," Acocella said. "We are just hoping they stay strong this weekend and perform to the maximum of their ability."