The Crusader Cheerleading team traveled to Walt Disney World to compete in the National High School Cheerleading Championship on February 8th. In order to compete at Nationals, each team had to qualify, within their division, in their own state. The Crusaders became the UCA Louisiana State Champions in December to earn their spot on the big blue mat at the ESPN Wild World of Sports HP Field House. At the NHSCC competition, Brother Martin High School faced 18 other Large Varsity Co-Ed teams on Saturday morning in the semi-finals. Only ten teams advanced to the final round that evening, including the Crimson & Gold Crusaders. When the awards were announced after the final team competed, the Crusaders were bringing home the 6th Place trophy. A special highlight of the competition was having Brother Martin High School represented on the competition program. Senior Ryan Henderson and Mount Carmel Academy Sophomore Sarah Macaluso perform a beautiful “Liberty” as the full cover image!
Congratulations to the Crusader Cheerleaders and Coach Jessica Spitale for an outstanding year! This team practices from March, through Camp in June, to Nationals in February to not only represent Brother Martin at cheer competitions, but to support the athletic teams throughout the year. Although football and basketball are traditionally sports with which the cheerleaders participate on game days, this year Coach Spitale encouraged her team to also attend soccer, wrestling and other sporting events to cheer the Crusaders to victory! This truly bonded the cheerleaders to Brother Martin High School.
The long hours of practice bond the team as a “family,” as well. The veteran members make sure the newest and youngest members are made to feel that they belong. This team practices together, socializes together and competes together. While in Disney World, they even enjoyed the parks “as a team.” At the Cheerleading Convocation on February 19th, this team will celebrate the huge successes of the year and say goodbye to 7 graduating team members. Stay tuned to see what the team of 2014-15 accomplishes!