National Accolade!

Check out this article and video from the Daily Freeman!  More to follow...

KHS CHEER *\0/*

http://www.dailyfreeman.com/sports/

KHS Cheerleaders PLACE 3RD IN THE NATION!!!!!!!

The Kingston High School Varsity Cheerleaders have placed THIRD in the American School Spirit Awards and FIRST in the northeast!  This award recognizes the top cheerleading programs from around the country.  When choosing a winner, the Universal Cheerleaders' Association (UCA) looks for teams that exemplify community service, outstanding athletic support, spirit raising activities, and high academic standards.

For teams to enter the American School Spirit Award, squads had to submit a book to UCA. In their book, they included a letter of recommendation from their principal, athletic director or community leader, show one or two community service projects/charity work events involving the squad, describe two of their most successful spirit raising activities, list their most notable academic awards/honors, and include a couple of interesting facts about their team.

Last year, the KHS program earned 5th place, so inching closer and closer to number 1 is always an accomplishment.  I'm extremely proud of the commitment this year's team has made to spirit leading and community service projects, as well as the life long lessons they are learning through it all. 

The winners include Coach Lainie Silverberg, Captains Zia-Ne Williams and Mackenzie Goodrich, seniors Kimberly Boice, Jessica Reposa, Ricki Maggiore, Tiffany Coughlin, juniors Brianna Egan, Melanie Hoffay, Aimee Bauer, Demi Politis, sophomores Hatherley Tucker, Megan Hoffay, Molly Gaffney, Tatiana Rodriguez, and freshmen Alex Boudreau and Megan Gillespie. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!

The Courage to Tumble

When I first started cheerleading I never thought I would be able to tumble.  Now that I know how to tumble, I don't think I could ever stop.  For me it feels like nothing is happening.  Almost like the entire world is frozen.  Nothing else matters to me.  I put all my focus and hard work into flipping myself over.  I love the feeling of the wind rushing through my hair as I put all my power into landing that perfect tumbling pass. 

As fun as it is for me, it can lead to serious injury.  One time, I was performing a back tuck (back flip with no hands involved) and I landed flat on my back.  I was so scared, nervous, and never thought I'd be able to tuck again. 

But...you just have to push yourself and get over your fear.  I needed to not worry about landing on my back and just go for it.  Once I finally got over my anxiety, it felt like nothing had changed.  I felt it was the regular old tumbling as I have always known it.  That's how I learned to be consistent with my tumbling and to never give up if something bad happens. 

Cheerfully,
Megan Hoffay
Varsity Cheerleader

*******************************************************************************

In recent years, tumbling has become a major part of competitive cheerleading.  The crowd gets excited to watch athletes defy gravity in a way that only few can truly understand.  Cheerleaders are awarded points based on execution of their tumbling and the difficulty.  There is also a difference between standing tumbling and running tumbling.  It's important that these skills are learned at an early age to allow for proper muscle development and strengthening.  There are tumblers who have learned at a later age and are still largly successful.  As Megan says, it's imperative that you give your all when trying to tumble and be in the right mind set.  Above all, you have to believe it is possible. 

My Team Is a Family

Upon receiving my topic for the blog entry I would have to write, I was dumbfounded.  "Describe how our cheerleading team is like a family", my coach said.  'My cheer team is like a family', I thought to myself.  'But how do I put it into words?'.  The connection that I have with my teammates is comparable to that of two sisters.  My teammates have seen me at my worst: miserable and crying, exhausted and pilly, and agitated and on edge.  They have been next to me during some of my proudest moments: after performing our Home Pom routine for the first time at cheer camp, when we hit our pyramid at the Bon Rally, and even just yesterday, when Mackenzie, Megan, and I did a one-man.

 

It is easy to see who is who in this big 'family' we have.  Coach is the loving but strict mother.  Always there for a concise bit of advice, an encouraging word, or a good laugh.  She scolds us if we forget to do our "chores" (study and practice the dances and cheers we've learned) by assigning some push-ups or a couple laps around the gym.  She nurtures us as a mother does.  She cares for us as a mother does; she is genuinely interested in what is going on in our lives.  She loves all of us just as much as we love her.  We, all sixteen of us, are the sixteen teenage daughters that give her her gray hairs.

 

 Mackenzie and Zia-Ne are clearly the big sisters.  They are the two who are in charge whenever Coach isn't there.  They constructively criticize us as Coach would and praise us when they see us going the extra mile.  They are always fair and everything they say or do is in the best interest of their teammates. Their sisters.  

 

I love my teammates.  When I joined the Kingston Varsity Cheerleading team as a freshman, I was pleasantly surprised to see how close the team really was.  I had come from a team where everyone wanted their own glory and would happily take an opportunity from a teammate to get it.  I wasn't used to teammates praising one other; "that was a good jump, Ha!" You never heard words of encouragement like that on my old team.  On Kingston Cheerleading, us girls truly love each other.  Sure, we bicker and sometimes we don't like each other, but haven't you ever had an altercation with your sister? And after you've made up, don't you leave the situation with a better understanding of each other and therefore an improved relationship?  My siblings are both grown up and no longer live at home, so these girls have really become part of my family.  I love them to death and I promise to keep in contact with all of them as we set out on our own paths throughout life.  Cheerleading has taught me many things: how to jump, how to hit your motions, how to back a lib; things I expected it to teach me.  But I never foresaw that it would teach me how to truly care for someone.  I'm glad it did.

Cheerfully yours,

MollyRose Gaffney

It's Not Always About Winning

Cheer camp, summer 2011 was a great memory. Waking up at 6:00 in the morning to the feel of crisp air blowing on me, knowing I have to hurry and get ready. Walking into the lunch hall to the smell of cinnamon buns and the sound of eggs frying made me so hungry. After running onto what looks like miles of field to the sound of girls screaming and instructers cheering. Every inch of my body has this tingly feeling as if I was getting shocked with excitement. Now all we can do is lay everything on the line and give it our all. As we go through the days cheering the entire time, only getting a drink every hour or so, our
bodies are exhausted. The fact that we are all thriving for this first place trophy makes us forget about our sticky dry throats, our aching bones, the sweat dripping from everyone, and the constant heartbeat you can feel in your head.

Getting ready to perform is the best feeling in the world.

Just looking around at all the girls that you have worked so hard with, you can sense that they believe in you. The birds flying around, the small ants crawling on your legs, the buzz you can feel in your ear every once in a while means nothing when you are standing in your routine formation. Waiting for that first burst of music to start your performance. When it starts everything goes black. There is no more hoping you get it right, it's getting it right and that's it. Nailing every motion and every stunt gives you a sensation as if you just won a Grammy. Seeing everyone's faces while waiting for the announcement of who won makes you sick to your stomach. All we need to hear is that first letter k- and then it's over. But no, instead I hear a strange letter. A 'G'?  This can't be. Then I hear "congratulations Glastonbury on winning first place!" I can feel my heart slide down my throat into my stomach. As I am blinking away the salty tears in my eyes I congratulate the other team. Although we are not screaming with joy, we all know we are still great. Just being with each other is enough. This is what cheerleading means to me. It's not always about whether you win or lose, but the bonds and friendships you make and to grow with the people that you share your blood, sweat, and tears with.

CHEERFULLY YOURS,

Tatiana Rodriguez
Varsity Cheerleader

Rival Showdown: Part II

And that best team was...KINGSTON!!!  Congratulations to Senior kicker Korey Jubie, who put the only points on the scoreboard that evening by making a 48 yd. field goal!!!!!  We're hearing he has a set a new school record.  Good things always come to those who wait!  Congratulations, Korey!

We were actually able to travel down to NFA and had a front row seat to all of the action.  Thanks to all of our fans who came out to support; the stands were packed! 

A huge congratulations to Coach Jeramie Collins and his coaching staff, as well as all of the football players who left their blood, sweat, and tears on Academy Stadium.  Can you say Division Champs?!?Be proud to wear that jersey, and be proud to be a Kingston Tiger!!!

Next up...the playoffs!!!  Game Saturday night at Dietz where we'll have the home team advantage.

GO TIGERS!

Cheerfully,

KHS CHEER *\0/*

Rival Showdown

This week we are playing our rivals, Newburgh Free Academy.  There's no deeper local rival than KHS and Newburgh.  The Tigers vs. the Goldbacks.  Who will come out on top?  And from where does this rivalry derive?

A little healthy competition is normal, and even necessary.  But the atmosphere is different when we're against Newburgh.  The decades of defeat, victory, and all the emotions that go along with it are almost tangible. 

 That feeling that sits at the pit of  your stomach when we miss that touchdown. 

The sullen faces that sit amongst the crowd. 

Or the roars, cheers, and screams that come when we make that winning play, and the explosion from the bleachers as fans are on their feet, bursting with Tiger Pride!  A sea of maroon and gold crashes onto the field and we know that we have beaten the 'burgh!

Either way- win or lose- the tenacity, excitement, and energy which exudes from the fans, cheerleaders, and football players during these games is like no other.  There's nothing like a good old fashioned rivalry, but let's remember that positive sportsmanship needs to come first.  Let's not make ourselves look classless, but rather remain honorable, enthusiastic, and prideful throughout.

May the best team win.

Cheerfully,

KHS CHEER *\0/*

All-Star Cheer vs. High School Cheer

     Making Kingston High School's Varsity Cheerleading team is one of my greatest accomplishments. Especially having the privilege of being on in my freshman year. I have met so many amazing people because of this. Every single girl has something special about them that they contribute to our team. I have never done school cheerleading before this season. I must admit it was intimidating to go straight to Varsity. I did not personally know every girl on the team. I have never once felt out of place with these girls and I could not have asked for better teammates.

     So many people underestimate Varsity level cheerleading. It is much more different than competitive All-Star cheerleading. When I was involved in All-Star cheerleading, I never saw myself doing Varsity. But, I love it! Being involved in school and making new friends, This is an experience I will never forget. I would like to carry cheerleading with me all the way to a collegiate level. There is no better feeling than putting on your uniform, topping it off with your bow and going to a game to cheer on the boys! Representing KHS. I am proud to call myself a Kingston High School Varsity Cheerleader.

-Megan Gillespie

Varsity Cheerleader

Freshman

Many people have misconceptions about high school cheerleading and all-star cheerleading. 

High School cheerleading includes cheering on our school's athletic teams, but it is not just limited to that.  Schools now have an option to compete, which brings in a whole new meaning to the sport for that group.  In addition to their already busy schedule, they are now traveling to competitions with a specific routine they will hope will wow the judges.  In a high school cheerleading routine, we are required to stunt, jump, tumble, and cheer.  The routine is only 2 minutes and 30 seconds in length, but when your adrenaline is rushing and your putting all of your energy into making everything perfect, that 2 1/2 minutes seems like a lifetime.  Also in these routines, there is an emphasis on school spirit/pride which needs to be shown during the cheer portion.  One minute of each routine is dedicated to getting the crowd fired up and yelling back with you through the use of stunts, signs, poms, and other props.  The other minute and a half is music. 

All-Star routines (well, all-star gyms) are not affiliated with a school, and therefore do not have the cheer portion.  They really only focus on the gymnastic and stunting segments.  They are still showing their athleticism, but this is not traditional cheerleading as we know it. 

There's something to be said when you are cheering for something--whether it's a team,  your school, or even for yourself.  Some people are more comfortable with the idea of all-star cheerleading, where others not only want the thrill of competition, but also time under stadium lights or in a crowded gym as they cheer their team on to victory. 

Bring it On-The Musical

Everyone's favorite cheer movie, "Bring it On", is coming to the stage!  Follow this link for a sneak peek!

http://www.varsity.com/varsitytv.aspx#ooid=M4bWNoMjq1YdRn0lB3QfiBmECChPqLF7,hqYWp2Mjo2hi0yb9nQu61zvfHBaX2c9d

Cheerfully yours,

KHS CHEER *\0/*

Never Give Up!

Never give up.  Three words that can mean so much.  As a student athlete, this applies to me everyday.  Cheerleading has a lot of challenges that have to be faced.  We as a team must continuously learn new cheers/sidelines, dance moves, and my favorite, stunts.  This is where I need to never give up.  Sometimes learning the dance moves can be tricky and frustrating.  I can't always learn them the first time, but I have to keep trying and never give up.  And advanced stunts like 360's and basket tosses take repetition and practice to get right.  I need to rely on my teammates to do their best as well.  If i give up or walk away and quit, I'm not going to succeed at what I want.  You don't have to be an athlete for this to mean something to you.  Every part of life has challenges and you give it your all, but never give up! 

-Alex Boudreau
Varsity Cheerleader
Freshman

All Hail the Queen!

Congratulations to senior Varsity Cheerleader Tiffany Coughlin on her win as the 2011 Homecoming Queen!  A well deserved title to a true sweetheart!

Another congrats goes out to our football team for beating Ithaca High School 33-18 at their game on Friday night.  The rain stayed away until the last 5 minutes when it started to lightly drizzle, but overall the game and the senior recognition ceremony was something truly special and a moment that our seniors will never forget.

To our seniors:  Captains Zia-Ne Williams and Mackenzie Goodrich, Jessica Reposa, Kimberly Boice, Ricki Maggiore, and Tiffany....never forget what it's like cheering under those lights.  These are the stories  you'll tell your kids one day. 

Hooray to the Class of 2012!!!!  *\0/*

What is a Cheerleader?

When you think of a cheerleader, you may picture a girl with her long, blonde hair hanging down, a sweater with a megaphone, saddle shoes, and pom pom socks.  The pom poms she's holding in her hands are probably larger than her head, and she may be talking to the captain of the football team. 

Is this the image you get in your head?  If, yes--you are clearly mistaken.  That woman is the cheerleader of the past.

Ask any cheerleader today, and they will tell you that the amount of work she (or he!) puts in is just as much, if not MORE, than any other athlete.  Currently on Kingston, we have several girls who also participate on lacrosse, track, softball, field hockey, and soccer who will tell you that our warm-ups and conditioning exercises are just as, if not more, difficult than other sports.  We sweat, bruise, and bleed just as much as any football player.  We are athletes. 

When we are at football and basketball games, and other sporting events, we are there to support our team, school and community.  The skills that we exhibit at these games are what we work on at practices, and in a sense, serve as "practices" for our competitions.  The amount of hard work and dedication that goes in to creating a great, clean, and safe routine is endless.  Our athletes don't life weights, they lift people.  When they execute a jump, it has to be with such precision and synchonization.  And no matter how sore, tired, or broken they may feel, they need to keep a smile on their face and show how PROUD they are of their team, their coach, and themselves. 

There is some exciting talk in New York State right now about cheerleading actually becoming recognized as a sport.  At the college level, there is already a new sport titled "Stunt I" and "Stunt II" which combines cheerleading and gymnastics skills and schools compete against one another with a defined set of regulations.  We at KHS are lucky that Athletic Director Glen Maisch treats us like a sport, where we follow the same rules and must meet the same expectations of any other team. 

The next time you think of a cheerleader, think about what we REALLY are and what we REALLY represent.  Do your research.  Talk to a cheerleader.  Talk to a coach.  Listen to what cheerleading is in the year 2011.  The stereotypical popular, blonde, provocative cheerleader is OUT and the cheereading athlete is IN!

Cheerfully yours,

KHS CHEER *\0/*

KHS LOVES UCA!

This summer, we entered a contest to be featured on the Universal Cheerleaders Association website and guess what?  We won!  Follow the link below to check out our article and find out more about our summer camp/competition experience!


Cheerfully yours,


KHS CHEER *\0/*

http://www.varsity.com/event/1464/art/799/2011_uca_camps.aspx

A Cheerful Summer!

The Kingston High School Varsity cheerleaders returned from the Universal Cheerleaders' Association cheerleading camp at Southern Connecticut State University and brought with them several awards.  They were awarded 3rd place in the cheer, 2nd place in the extreme routine, and 2nd place in the home pom (dance) optional competition.  Additionally, they were awarded with the superior trophy, which gives them the opportunity to cheer at the Capitol Bowl with cheerleaders from across the country, and also the prestigious leadership award, which is voted on by the nearly 200 other cheerleaders at the camp rather than the staff.  The team also earned the "Top Banana" spirit award 2 of the 3 nights they were at camp.  Aside from team honors, there were several individual winners.  Captains Zia-Ne Williams and Mackenzie Goodrich were both recognized as UCA All-American cheerleaders, and this gives them the opportunity to cheer at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and in London.  Williams and Senior Kimberly Boice (who made it into the semi-finals of the jump-off) were also recruited by the UCA staff to tryout for a position in early 2012.  The KHS Varsity cheerleaders are currently ranked 5th in the nation with UCA and  the American School Spirit Awards, and first in the northeast.  Also on the summer competition team are seniors Jessica Reposa and Ricki Maggiore, juniors Brianna Egan, Aimee Bauer, and Melanie Hoffay, sophomores Megan Hoffay, Hatherley Tucker, Molly Gaffney, Tatiana Rodriguez, and Taylor Roberti, and freshman Alex Boudreau. 

We've Got Things To Cheer About!

Welcome to your Kingston Cheer Connection, for all things cheerleading!  Not only will this blog support our program and other athletic programs at Kingston High School, but we hope to share the "cheerful" happenings in and around our community, as well as spread knowledge of the sport (yes, we said SPORT) of cheerleading.  Check back regularly for all the latest and greatest news!


Cheerfully yours,


KHS CHEER *\0/*