When the Sachem East cheerleaders first step onto the mat, there’s no music following.
The speakers in the DJ booth work very well. This team wants to open with its own sound.
Typically, the opening of a cheerleading routine consists of tumbling and stunts accompanied by music. But Sachem East wanted to prove it was anything but typical this season, opting instead to open the routine with their energetic cheer.
“We want the crowd to swell right away,” said senior Erika Palermo. “We strive to bring the energy and make sure we are ‘Sachem Strong’. That’s what we stand for in our joy and that’s what we want to be known for.”
The team conquered the floor on Saturday by winning their fourth consecutive first-place title with an 89.3 score in the first session of the Division I small schools competition at Smithtown West. Hauppauge placed second (87.9) and Ward Melville was third (83.5).
“This year we did something different and started our routine with the cheers,” said coach Brianna Aghabekian. “A lot of [the] UCA [National High School Cheerleading Championship] teams lead with the cheers and we wanted to become the first team on the island to do so.”
“We [as coaches] love it because we think it helps [the girls] calm down,” said coach Victoria Aghabekian, Brianna’s twin sister.
When the music started, Sachem East released an impressive array of passes and stunts. Eighth grader Kacey Berger shone with flawless execution from an Arab to a full twist on the mat.
“The younger girls are so strong and have so much talent,” said senior Brianna Snyder. “It’s such an incredible feeling to go through this winning streak with them and know that they can carry on.”
In Session 2 of the Division I Small Schools competition, the East Islip side picked up their first victory of the season with an 88.1 score over Smithtown East (85.3) and Riverhead (83, 4).
“After consistently placing near the top three or in the top three in previous screenings, we wanted to prove to ourselves that our hard work would pay off,” said senior Lauren Holmes. “That’s exactly what we did.”
East Islip had more work to do than expected as the team faced the challenge of adjusting to last minute pyramid changes two days before the competition.
“It’s definitely a little daunting and stressful at first,” junior Kaylee Wilko said. “But we know that each of us is fully capable of doing what we need to do. We have complete trust in each other. »
“I think being open to change is what helped us get through this as a team and why we were able to put in the best performance yet today,” said Riley Kramer.
“These challenges have really brought us together,” said senior Sofia Costarelli. “They’ve brought us closer as a team than we’ve ever been. That bond we have is why we’re holding this plaque today.
