SOMERS, N.Y. - On Wednesday, Nov. 19, SYSO Cheerleading held its annual showcase at Somers Intermediate School. With a gym full of enthusiastic parents, 147 athletes from six age groups took center stage. Those include the Tiny Tuskers (K-2), D8, D10 small, D10 large, and D12, but the 14D finale served as a preview of bigger things to come in early December.
The team placed third last year in the American Youth Cheerleader nationals, and this season, the goal is clear.
“We’re trying for first,” said Caroline Papa.
Coached by Jacqueline Cavuoto and Stephanie Sullivan, the girls know the work required.
“We need to focus 100% on our routines, and we need to trust each other,” Papa said.
That dedication builds chemistry.
“We spend so much time together,” said Papa. “It just clicks.”
The team bond only strengthens their commitment.
“I love these girls like my sisters,” Papa said.
Avianna Botticelli embodies the family spirit. Injured and unable to compete in Orlando, she still cheers hardest for her teammates.
“I’m happy for them,” she said. “They’ve been my best friends for my whole life.”
Among those teammates, Charlotte Cavuoto knows the strength and stamina required of the bases and appreciates the training everyone endures. “It’s something that is unbelievable,” said Cavuoto.
Flier Emma Quinones agrees, never hesitant to take flight. “You really have to push through and make sure you’re always up there,” she said.
The challenge was evident during a tense throw and catch that drew gasps from the crowd. But the team kept moving. “We tell each other, if you mess up, physically fix it the next time," said Quinones.
Still, she knows the job requires more than skill. “It takes 110% courage,” she said.
Support from below helps build that courage. “We have special cues we say when they are in the air,” said Tessa Sullivan. “It helps the flier focus and get the right mindset.”
The encouragement goes both ways, energizing the athletes with every cheer. “It’s so exciting and fun,” said Jianah Rosa. “it motivates me to keep growing with my team.”
And continued growth is essential, says Camryn Tierney. “Every year it gets harder,” she said.
That challenge is exactly what fuels the Tuskers, who hope the next level earns them national gold this December.
As for the youngers, Cheer Commissioner Kelly Rudyk reports incredible accomplishments for all the teams. First the Tiny Tuskers competed in the Tusker Rumble on Nov. 1 and made everyone proud, according to Rudyk.
Furthermore, the D8 3rd grade, D10 4th grade, D10 5th grade, and D12 6th and 7th grade teams all took the floor in Mahopac, Carmel, Yorktown, and at the Westchester County Center. They secured a number of trophies and wowed judges and crowds alike.
“We saw incredible accomplishments for all of our teams,” concluded Rudyk.
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