Young Blazers Defy Odds With Podium Finish Against Older Competition
The St. Barnabas CYO cheerleading season reached a triumphant conclusion this past weekend as the Blazers squad secured a third-place trophy at their inaugural competition. What makes the achievement particularly remarkable is that the team, primarily composed of third through fifth-grade girls, was moved up to compete directly against sixth-grade squads. Despite the age gap and a season hampered by several practice cancellations, the girls’ dedication powered them to a top-three finish in a challenging division.
Head coach Samantha Strickland praised the team’s resilience and work ethic following the event. Strickland noted that the success was a true testament to the girls’ dedication, emphasizing that “the sky is the limit” for this group of young athletes. The coaching staff, which also includes Alyssa Piazza and Becky Griswold Bartley, was credited with navigating the team through the logistical hurdles of the season to ensure they were competition-ready. Strickland expressed immense pride in the “rockstar” coaching collaboration and the individual growth of every cheerleader on the squad.
