Pop Warner Cheerleaders Returning to National Competition

For the second year in a row, Watchung Hills Pop Warner will be sending one of their cheer squads to the Pop Warner National competition in Disney World. 

The Jr. Midget cheer squad earned the right to compete at the prestigious National Competition in Disney World on Dec. 5. Unrelenting dedication and a committed coaching staff combined with superior skill, teamwork and a desire to be the best, lead the Jr. Midget squad to a shot at Pop Warner glory.  

Their journey began at the Mountain Valley Conference on Oct. 20th where they placed first in the Medium PW3 category. They then proceeded to the Qualifier competition in Trenton at Sun Center Arena on Nov. 11th where they again came in first place. Their next stop on this incredible journey was the Eastern Region competition on Nov. 17th also at Sun Center Arena. They were up against six teams in the Eastern Region, placing first again ahead of the Roselle Park Panthers.

The Eastern Region consists of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Washington, D.C.  An astounding three quarters of Pop Warner National Champions come from the Eastern Region. 

The Watchung Hills Pop Warner cheerleaders and their coaches have worked diligently since the first week of August, changing and perfecting their routines in order to contend with the talent from across the region. At competition events, each squad performs a 2½-minute routine with music combining cheer, stunting and dance elements. They are judged on a variety of criteria including choreography, jumps, stunts, timing and precision. 

It is a long and difficult road to the championships, but those who have had the good fortune to compete there consider it the thrill of a lifetime.  Anyone privileged enough to attend the Disney National Competition will undoubtedly witness a dynamic display of spirit, teamwork and athleticism from these amazing girls. 

The Jr. Midget squad consists of 21 girls, ages 10–13: Olivia Braunstein, Alexa Butrico, Kelsey Carlucci, Hailey Crawford, Isabelle Friedman, Summer Huber, Ashley Johnson, Brianna King, Kendal MacTaggart, Samantha Marion, Bianca Martino, Jessica Mendez, Kendyl Messarosh, Madelyn Murphy, Ayla Prinzivalli, Andrea Rica, Arianna Salermo, Tatiana Salermo, Marissa Stamler, Karly Trimble and Amanda Weiss.  Coaches are Cindy Braunstein, Angela Salermo and Kris Trimble.  Watchung Hills Cheer Commissioner is Lori Butrico. 

Submitted by Lori Butrico