The Brother Martin Cheerleaders left on Thursday, February 5th, headed for Disney World and the UCA National Championship. The team packed with mixed emotions as one of the guys, Kevin Chanove, had been injured at the basketball game on January 27th. That injury meant an entire re-working of the routine of which Kevin played a key role.
Coach Jessica Spitale Fresina was able to make the necessary changes to the routine and get the team inspired to hit the blue mat at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports complex this past Saturday. In light of there being eight athletes who had never stepped on the mat at this level of competition, and with plenty of anxious nerves to go around, the team gave a great performance in the preliminary round. To the cheers of family and friends of Brother Martin, the Crusaders had earned a spot in the finals.
After a brief rest and a wardrobe change from the Crimson to White uniforms, the team went back on the mat for the finals round in the Large Varsity Co-Ed Division. Although several components of the routine were much improved from the preliminary round, it wasn’t meant to be for the Crusaders this year. The team was disappointed, but those of us who see the entire year and the big picture, claim this to be a highly successful year.
The team wishes to thank Coach Jessica, the students, faculty and Administration of Brother Martin High School, and all the parents and family members who have given support to the Cheerleaders this year. We congratulate and send-off the senior members who were honored at the basketball game on February 3rd. Several will continue to cheer at the universities they will attend in the fall.
This isn’t the end of the story, though. Tryouts are being held Thursday evening to find new girls to fill in the voids left by the seniors. There will be open practices on March 3, 5, 10, and 12 for guys to come and see if they have what it takes to be a part of this elite team. As long as there are athletic teams at Brother Martin High School, there will be a team of cheerleaders to cheer on game days! We all look forward to the coming Brother Martin athletic seasons and 2016 UCA National Championships!!
