MYFA Cheer/AYC National Championships

Memories of a Lifetime at AYC National Championships The American Youth Cheer (AYC) National Cheer Championships were 12/14/13 and 12/15/13 at the Silver Spur Arena in Kissimmee Florida .  The Manalapan Youth Football Association (MYFA) U10 and U12 teams made their presence known.  MYFA president Rich Staklinski is “extremely proud of everyone involved in bringing home the titles this year and hopes many years from now these girls will pay things forward and provide other young ladies with memories that will last a lifetime”.The U12 blue level division held their reign as the National Champions for the second year in a row.  The adult coaching staff of head coach Mari Kelly and assistant coaches Dee Chandler, Liza LaRocca, Rosie Zdziarski, and Kelly McClaughlin along with the teen trainers Hailey Gilboy, Erica Wiley, Alyssa Spinelli and Jordan Clark worked with the girls for countless hours to perfect their choreographed routine.  The team consisted of 20 girls ages 10 to 12 years old and a mixture of seasoned competitors as well as girls who never cheered prior to this season.  The participating girls included:  Jessica Siminerio, Concetta Strouse, Nicole Grossbaum, Stephanie Novins, Christina Corrao, Nicole Chandler, Madison LaRocca, Renae Taylor, Kirsten Press, Lauren Prainito, Abby Funicello, Chevelle Verdolino, Emily Burtnieks, Samantha Shelton, Alexa Zdziarski, Gianna Zdziarski, Giuliana Tartamella, Dayna Maloney, Vanessa Calero, and Chloe Renaldi.    During the local Jersey Shore competition they came in first place in their division and scored the highest score of the day.  During the Big East qualifier for nationals they came in 2nd place and earned their spot to compete in Florida.  Upon arriving in Florida the group was challenged due to an injury preventing one of the members of the team from performing.   They rearranged their routine during a three hour practice the day before they competed.  When they took the floor it was their time to shine and their performance scored the highest in their division assuring their place as National Champions.                The U10 red level division performed at their first ever national championship as a team.  Head Coach Dina Cohen and her assistants Roasaria Palmeri, Tina Terzulli, Colleen Manahan, and Elizabeth Kilaras and teen trainers Emily Boyle, Nicole Orrell, Sabrina Mezzina, and Brianna Clark meticulously perfected the routine with the girls.  The team consisted of 23 girls 8 to 10 years old.  The participating girls included:  Isabella Fountaine, Skye Manahan, Leah Cohen, Madison Chapman, Angelica Palmeri, Gabrielle Kilaras, Kelli Pasterczyk, Julia Terzulli, Amanda Amrani, Emma Taylor, Gianna Adinolfe, Alexandra Watters, Sophie Guagliano, Kayla Blumenberg, Chloe Burtnieks, Sofia Caggiano, Halle Klein, Nicole Staklinski, Madison Rodrigues, Brielle Bravaco, Jessica Palmeri, Julia Cohen, and Mariana Lombardi. During the local Jersey Shore competition they came in 3rd place.  During the Big East qualifier for nationals they brought the 1st place trophy home as well as the highest overall score for the day.  To top off their season this talented team took 2nd place in a competitive field of 8 teams and scored the 2nd highest score of the day and the 6th highest score of all 183 teams in the two day competition.  For girls of this age to perform at such a level is remarkable to say the least.                Both teams have worked very diligently and have had an outstanding season and as a community we are proud to live in the Home of the Braves!  
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