SOMERS, N.Y. - On Oct. 29, the Somers Cheerleading Team took second place in the Somers Game Day Competition.
“It was a great moment for us,” said Cassidy Pelkey. But silver wasn’t the only thing shining that day.
“Our hard work really embodied what it means to be a Somers Cheerleader, and I think we really came through,” said the sophomore.
Freshman Delia Eagleton credits the team’s success to their unity. “We go through a lot together, so we have unity,” she said. “We’re motivated, we have a lot of determination.”
As a back spot, Eagleton understands the importance of foundation. “We keep the stunt together and need quick thinking,” she said.
That’s especially true when something goes awry with a flier in the air. “You have to dive to catch them and have to put her first,” she assured.
Sophomore Olivia Fitzsimons shares a close bond with her flier, Ila Schoenberg. “Our connection, she’s my flier,” said Fitzsimons.
As for Schoenberg, she’s unequivocally up for the challenge. “It’s really fun because you get to challenge yourself in a way you normally wouldn’t on any other day,” she said. “Everything you gain is a skill. It’s really rewarding.”
Even with the possibility of falling, Schoenberg says courage comes from connection. “The bond between us—off and on the mat—helps me feel safe when I’m flying,” she said.
On the ground, sophomore Melanie Rudyk takes pride in her role of keeping things safe. “When we learn new stunts, we have to know exactly what we are doing,” she said.
The results showed on Game Day. “We really felt it on the mat,” said Rudyk.
Senior Emily DeJesus enjoys her time in the air but says her teammates keep her grounded. “It’s just cool being in the air, with my friends underneath,” she said.
Of course, every flier has a favorite catcher. “Hailey (Cavuto) because she’s my best friend and I trust her,” said DeJesus. “So I’m more prone to do different stuff when she’s under me.”
The duo’s connection carried through to the whole team on competition day. “We all came together as a team and had a motivational talk before we went on the mat,” said DeJesus. “It brought us together.”
Now, as her senior year winds down, DeJesus embraces a new role. “I’m happy to teach the younger kids the techniques I have learned in the last four years,” she said.
Cavuto already sees the impact. “The younger girls are so reliable,” she said. “It’s such a great team.”
Still, the senior can’t help but praise her flier. “She’s so good at flying. I really trust her up there,” said Cavuto. “I know she’s not going to fall on my face.”
With football season behind them, the Tuskers now look ahead to what’s next.
“We’ll play it by ear,” concluded Cavuto.
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