SOMERS, N.Y. - On Saturday, Feb. 7, Somers Cheer took the mat at its annual Tusker Rumble, and freshman Britton Bassi was confident the home crowd wouldn’t rattle the team.
“We wanted to go out there and do our best,” Bassi said.
They did just that.
The Somers varsity cheer team captured first place in the Class B division, lifting the trophy on its home floor.
Co-head coach Kelly Rudyk set the tone early, offering encouragement before stepping back and allowing the athletes to find their rhythm. That hands-off approach helped the team lock in.
“She likes us to have our own moments with each other so we can really come together as a team,” Bassi said.
With added guidance from assistant coache Annie Dirago and co-head Coach Jackie Cavuto, the time between introductions and the opening count became a crucial bonding moment.
“When we’re in the circle, we’re hyping each other up because we know what’s inside is what matters,” said Valentina DeSantis. “That’s what we show.”
Even when things don’t go perfectly, the team has learned how to reset.
“When I make a mistake, you put it in a glass bottle and leave it there,” DeSantis said.
Eighth-grader Ila Schoenberg executed her role with confidence.
“I hit all my stunts,” she said with a smile.
Trust is at the core of that success, especially for a flier.
“That’s so important,” Schoenberg said. “The bond between the fliers and everybody is so strong.”
One of four eighth-graders on the roster, Schoenberg is embraced by the older athletes.
“The young girls are like little sisters to us,” said Aly Emrick.
A steady base, Emrick works seamlessly with Schoenberg, Fiona Gjonbalaj and Avi Botticelli.
“We’re literally best friends,” Emrick said.
Emma Quinones shares a similar connection with Charlie Cavuoto and welcomes new challenges.
“If she wants to try a new stunt, I’m with her,” Quinones said.
The reason, according to Cavuoto, is simple.
“We’ve had a connection for the last nine years,” she said.
Leadership also runs deep within the program. Charlie Cavuoto pointed to her older sister, Hailey, as an example.
“She’s a leader,” Cavuoto said. “She’s earned everyone’s respect because she gives respect.”
Senior Anna Puerto, sidelined after recent surgery, still played a role in supporting her teammates and remained optimistic about what lies ahead.
“They are going on to big things,” Puerto said.
Schoenberg agreed, circling back to the program’s veteran leaders.
“Hailey, Anna and Emily DeJesus — everybody wants to be like them,” she said. “They’re strong, trustworthy, loyal and so talented. We strive to be like them every day.”
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