Cheer

Coaches: Shannon DiFebbo (head coach) Melissa Farrow, Ciaira Brown

Returning Talent: Camryn Calzoncit, Cianni Durham-Jones, Ryan Moore, Sydney Rubbo, and Tatiana Cannon

The “Big Match” spotlight: the Two biggest competitions are districts and PAC championships. Performance at districts determines qualification  for states

Outlook:

Last season was a success for the Upper Merion Cheerleading team because for the first time in Upper Merion history, the Gameday Competition team won first place at a competition, and the Traditional Competition team made it back to the PIAA State Cheerleading Championship. The accomplishments of this team are looking hopeful to continue this competition season. Senior Ryan Moore said, “ One of our biggest goals for this season is to make it to states for a third time in a row and hopefully make it to day two!” These accomplishments have set a promising tone and have formed goals for this upcoming season.  

Leading our Viking Cheer team is head coach, Shannon DiFebbo with assistance from Melissa Farrow and Ciaira Brown. They are led by captains Sydney Rubbo, Camryn Calzoncit and Cianni Durham-Jones. These seniors have provided guidance for some of the younger girls and have shown dedication throughout these past 4 years. 

The achievements from the Lady Vikings have been greatly impacted by a few returning key players, who are now seniors. The returning seniors to the competition team are Camryn Calzoncit (Flyer), Cianni Durham-Jones (Back Spot), Ryan Moore (Main Base), Icesis Jones (Flyer), Tatiana Cannon (Main Base), and Sydney Rubbo (Back Spot). They have taken the responsibility of mentoring their younger teammates and helping them prepare for the challenges of the competition season. These girls are super excited for this season and are hoping to end it on a great note to close out their high school cheerleading career. Some of the seniors were asked the question, “Looking ahead, what are you most looking forward to experiencing with your teammates this year?” Ryan Moore responded, “Just getting to know each other better and creating more memories!”. 

The team welcomed fresh faces this year like Livia Benson, London Cherry, Victoria Griffin, Zaria Harper, Kadence Metzler, Tynisa Naji, Naevia Oliva, Zyla Robinson, Olivia Turnage, Addison Willis, and Addison Zelahy. These new members bring enthusiasm and potential to this year’s squad. 

According to assistant coach Melissa Farrow, this year’s biggest strength has been stunting. “The girls have been putting in hours and reps to gain new skills. We have never stunted this much in a routine, and we are very excited to showcase this skill at competitions this season!”

Every year, the two biggest competitions of the Cheerleading season are Districts and PAC Championships. Their performance at Districts determines if they qualify for States. They hope to make an appearance in the States for a third time towards the end of this season. We are hoping for a successful season! In addition to the high school team, the middle school cheer team will also be participating at PACs as an exhibition. We can’t wait to see all of this hard work really pay off. With the looks of it our Lady Vikings are ready to rock the floor at their first competition on December 6th at Haverford High School. But this is just the beginning for these girls as the hope to have a fantastic season!