The Daniel Hand 2009 fall football
varsity cheerleading squad attended the Universal Cheerleading
Association Cheerleading Camp at Southern Connecticut State University
held from July 27 to 30.
The squad had to learn four new
sidelines, four new cheers, and two new dances during the first three
days. At the end of each day, the squad was evaluated by the UCA staff
on its cheer techniques, stunting, and dance capabilities. During these
sessions, the Hand cheerleading squad achieved the highest recognition
by walking away with seven Superior Ribbons.
The Hand cheerleading squad for the
first time also brought to camp its own home halftime dance, which was
choreographed by two of its own squad members, Samantha Pilz and
Madison Reyka. The squad was evaluated on its performance against all
the other teams and was awarded third place and an Excellent Ribbon.
On the last day of camp, the Hand
cheerleading squad competed against all other varsity squads in its
division for Camp Champions on its cheer, dance, and stunts. The Daniel
Hand cheerleading squad at the end of the competition achieved first
place in Varsity Cheer, first place in Varsity Extreme Dance Routine,
and also won the UCA 2009 Superior Squad Trophy, which will allow the
squad to perform in the pregame ceremonies of
the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Florida, and also resulted in the
highest honor possible as for the first time the Daniel Hand
cheerleading squad was named the UCA Camp Champion.
“I could not have been more proud of
each and every young lady on my squad,” Coach Debbie Fiorella said.
“The girls had to pull together in a very short amount of time and work
very hard to accomplish what they did at camp. This was a fantastic way
for them to end camp and begin to look forward to the up and coming
2009 football season.”
The Hand cheerleading squad also
achieved outstanding individual performances. Samantha Pilz, Caroline
Maghini, Hayley Kassay, and Kayley Lewis were all selected by Coach
Fiorella and competed in the UCA 2009 Jump Off. The four girls were up
against 20 other varsity cheerleaders. Each had to perform their best
jump and be selected to advance in rounds by the UCA staff. Caroline
Maghini and Kayley Lewis advanced all the way to the semifinal round.
The UCA Camp also had tryouts for
the 2009 All-American squad. One local cheerleader was selected to be a
member of this squad and receive the honor to perform in the London Day
Parade in London.
Hand’s Madison Reyka is one of more
than 1,000 high school cheerleaders from across the United States who
will be performing in the world famous London New Year’s Day Parade.
Only the top 12 percent of the cheerleaders who attend UCA and United
Spirit Association summer camps earn the chance to march in the holiday
spectacular. In addition to performing in the London parade, the
All-Americans will have the chance to tour London during their
seven-day trip.
“This is a great honor for Madison,
one that she truly deserves,” Fiorella said. “Madison represents the
true definition of being a cheerleader! Way to go!”
Information and photos courtesy of Debbie Fiorella