Despite Tough Year, Cheerleaders Take 7th at States

The varsity Mustang cheerleading team is pictured above. Photo courtesy Assistant Coach Lisa Evangelista.

The Medford Mustang Varsity Cheerleaders ended a tough winter season by placing 7th in the State at the MSSAA Winter State Cheerleading Tournament held on Sunday at Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical Regional High School.

“We knew this would be a rebuilding year, however, the winter season hit us hard. Injuries (3 major), combined with ineligible students and the flu running rampart through the team, made us very unsure if we would have enough athletes able to compete!” Said Coach Julie Santos.

“But with determination and drive this team would not be denied! They came together & competed at the Greater Boston League on February 22nd, which Medford hosted. We lost our title to Somerville, as Medford placed second, but really we were just happy to have the team get out there & compete,” Coach Santos continued.

“Then less than a week before the North Regional, we lost one of our flyers to a sprained ankle. With no flyers on the bench, we asked one of our seniors (a former flyer) to step in. Luckily she did, the stunt worked and the team ended up finishing a respectable 5th at the North Regional held at Andover High School. Medford scored a 162.5, attaining the required 160 points in order to qualify for the State Final. But, Division II was tough as always and though their performance was good, they really needed ‘great’ in order to be a top five contender,” said Coach Santos.

Dracut won Division II with a score of 180.5, North Attleboro was second with a 175.5, Whitman Hanson was third with a 173.5, Gloucester was fourth with a 167.5, Hudson was fifth with a 164, Oakmont, sixth with a 157.5, and Medford, seventh with a 156.5.

“All I can about this team is that they never quit. They made it to the State final by sheer will. For my graduating seniors who led this team, that says so much about their character. The coaching staff is extremely proud of the way the Mustangs kept their heads up and never let the adversity thrown at them get them down,” said Santos.

As the season ends, the Mustangs say goodbye not only their seniors Captain Lisa Cardone, Captain Courtney Galvin, Anne Raimo and Christina Cardone, but also to head coach Santos, who will be retiring this year.

“Although, I love coaching at the high school level, it takes a lot of time and energy. I have a young family and I really want to spend more time with them. But I am leaving the Mustangs in the very capable hands of my assistant coach Melissa Pothier. I know she will be a great asset to this team and she has the skills to keep the Mustangs at the top of their game,” said Santos.

The Mustangs Cheerleaders will be feted at their annual banquet on April 29th. During the next few months prior to tryouts for the fall team in June, the Mustang Cheerleaders will be hosting an April Vacation Cheer Clinic, along with once a week tumbling classes for all who may be interested. Eight graders are encouraged to attend!! Additional information will follow about both events shortly!

Members of the 2009 Mustangs include: Captains Lisa Cardone and Courtney Galvin, Anne Raimo, Christina Cardone, Lindsey Mills, Darla Vitale, Cali Keene, Kristin Moore, Karli Keating, Audrey Farenga, Jessica Albano, Krysten Sheppard, Veronica Hernandez, Breanna Hughes, Emily Dietrich, Brianna Walsh, Caitlin Fennessey, Rossella Viola, Daniella Colozzo, Francesca DiClemente & Jessika Edward. The team is coached by Santos & Pothier along with Kaitlyn Contardo and Lisa Evangelista.

– InsideMedford.com