Printer Friendly Version - Branford Youth Cheerleading Continues its Quest for Nationals

The Branford Youth Cheerleading D14 team is one of three squads from the organization that qualified for the New England Regional Cheerleading Championship with an eye toward reaching the National Championship in Florida. The team qualified for regionals with its second-place finish at the Connecticut State Championship. Photo courtesy of Janice Despotakis

In 2017, the Branford Youth Cheerleading (BYC) program saw its D10 team compete its way to the National Cheerleading Championship in Kissimmee, Florida—marking the first time in the history of the BYC that one of its teams qualified for nationals. This year, BYC is poised to send more teams to the national meet. Three BYC teams have advanced to the New England Regional Cheerleading Championship that are taking place in Manchester, New Hampshire on Saturday, Nov. 17. Any squad that places in the top three of its respective division at regionals will win a bid to the 2018 National Cheerleading Championship.

BYC’s teams advanced to the regional meet by virtue of their performances at the Connecticut State Cheerleading Championship that was held at Hillhouse High School in New Haven on Nov. 3. Teams that placed in the top three of their divisions at the meet qualified for the New England Regional Championship.

Branford’s D10 squad, coached by Katy Roach-Gomes and assistant coaches Diane Vaicunas and Kristen Morgillo, placed third in its division. The D12 team, coached by Elaine Orsini and assistant coaches Oriana Orsini and Stephanie Krantz, finished second. The D14 squad, coached by Diane Robinson and assistant coaches Cara Hoyt, Jessica Royka and Joann Piscitelli, also finished second at the state meet.

Judy Barron, the president of the BYC, and vice president Mary Nardini both agree that it takes a village to create such a successful league.

“The league has grown incredibly since I started as a coach on the D8 squad,” Barron said. “We are up to 85 youth cheerleaders this year, and we are able to support this growth with the support of our volunteers, parents, and dedicated coaches. Our girls are fantastic, and we want to give them every chance to shine.”

“It takes a lot of money, time and effort, much of which comes from the parents, to get these squads to nationals,” Nardini added.

Branford’s D8 team also turned in a solid showing at the Connecticut State Championship. The team is coached by Jessica Royka and assistant coaches Marissa Tarquino and Lindsey Morrone.

The BYC is a self-funded organization that relies on fundraising and sponsorships. To contributed to the BYC, contact Judy Barron at Judith.barron55@gmail.com.

Branford Youth Cheer’s D12 squad came in second place at the Connecticut State Championship to earn a spot at the regional meet in New Hampshire. Photo courtesy of Janice Despotakis

The Branford Youth Cheerleading D10 team qualified for the New England Championship by posting a third-place finish at the State Championship meet on Nov. 3. Photo courtesy of Janice Despotakis

The Branford Youth Cheer D8 team impressed with the crowd with its performance at the Connecticut State Cheerleading Championship that was held at Hillhouse High School. Photo courtesy of Janice Despotakis