Rocky Point Cheerleading Team Wins Another National Title

Rocky Point High School’s varsity cheerleading team has captured their third national championship in the past four years. 

Competing in the medium varsity category, the talented squad tumbled, danced and cheered their way to victory at this year’s National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Fla. After securing the highest score in the preliminary round, the team advanced straight to the final competition, where they earned their personal best score at the Universal Cheerleaders Association competition. Additionally, the team was awarded perfect scores in a number of categories. 

Under the direction of coach Anna Spallina and assistant coach Amanda Lang, the 22-member squad practiced three to four hours each day and on many weekends to perfect their dynamic routine. The squad, with only four seniors, is a relatively young team, the youngest member being a seventh-grader. However, as a result of their unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport, the team is able to complete college-level stunts with ease and perfection. 

“Our cheerleaders are amazing to watch, and no one can deny how hard they work when they have a goal in mind and they put in 200 percent to achieve it every step of the way,” said Amy Agnesini, director of health, physical education, athletics and intramurals. “There were so many fans from Rocky Point in Orlando and supporting the team along this journey, which is a true testament to the dedication of these coaches and students.”

Coach Spallina, who has been with the program for the past 10 years, credits this year’s win to the team’s determination to reclaim the title after last year’s narrow loss by seven-tenths of a point. 

“From the start of the season it has been all business – they have had their eye on the prize and were headstrong to bring that title home again this year,” she said. “They are a very courageous and focused bunch and a highly skilled group to work with. In all my years of coaching I have never seen the team receive perfect scores – and they did it! I am confident that they will continue to achieve great things next year.”  

“The shining moment of this year’s competition was the looks on their faces when they completed their routine,” Ms. Agnesini added. “They ran into the arms of their friends and families and just cried because they knew they had done the best they could and nailed their routine.” 

Earlier this season, the team earned their 10th consecutive UCA Empire Regional Championship and their ninth first-place win at the Long Island Cheerleading Coaches Association Cheer Competition. 

The team was welcomed home like true champions after this year’s national competition. Fresh off the airplane, they were escorted back onto campus by the Rocky Point Fire Department and were met by a cheering crowd of family and friends.

Info/photo courtesy of Syntax