RallyNorth.net

Looking to Repeat

Wednesday, October, 03 By Margo Sullivan
Staff writer

Pelham's cheerleading team thinks it has a shot at another state title this year. The young squad is dominated by sophomores and juniors; and although the girls may be short on experience, they come up big in the talent department, their coach says.

"This is definitely going to be one of the building years," said new head Coach Vanessa Palmisano. But Palmisano says Pelham has a shot to repeat as state champions.

History is on Pelham's side. The cheerleading team has won the state title every year since 2001, she said. This year's competition is set for Nov. 4 at the University of New Hampshire's Whittemore Center Arena.

The 15 team members have been practicing a three-minute long routine, which includes a dance section, tumbling and jumping.

"Every year we do a new routine," said Palmisano. The team also performs at all the football games.

Team Captain Leah Frasca, 16 and a junior, is looking forward for the chance to show the judges what Pelham cheerleaders can do. "It's an adrenaline rush," she said. "I love the sport. I love competition."

Leah credits Palmisano for choreographing an outstanding routine.

"She's really creative," Leah said. Besides the coaching, the secret to winning has been partly hard work and team spirit.

"All the girls get along," Leah said. And it's also about having fun. Leah said the cheerleaders practice the routines until they not only know all the dance steps but also all the words to the music and can sing along.

The judges reward teams that show that kind of enthusiasm, she said.