Waiting for their turn at the LICCA competition was nerve-wracking for the GCHS JV cheerleading squad. The Garden City High School Junior Varsity cheerleading squad recently participated in the Long Island Cheerleading Coaches' Association (LICCA) Rookie Competition at Mount Sinai High School. Middle school, junior varsity and varsity squads from across Long Island gathered to perform elaborately choreographed cheers for a panel of judges. Garden City's own JV squad executed a near flawless routine, displaying their rock-solid stunts and genuine spirit in front of a packed auditorium.

"We faced tough competition from teams with girls who've been cheering since middle school or earlier, but our squad more than held its own," said Sara Tucci, who has been coaching the girls since August. "I was especially proud of their positive spirit and outstanding sportsmanship. They cheered on the other teams with loud chants and big smiles."

A grant from the Garden City Men's Association enabled Coach Tucci and the squad to hire a choreographer to create a special routine for the LICCA competition. Between cheering at football games the girls practiced with the choreographer to prepare for the competition.

But the JV squad was all confidence from the moment they walked on the mat to perform their routine. "I am proud of the girls and Coach Tucci for working so hard and dedicating themselves to becoming a competition-level team," said Nancy Kalafus, District Director of Physical Education and Athletics. "We wish them all the luck at their future competitions and we know they'll do great."

Next up for the JV squad, besides cheering at the boys' basketball JV A team's home and away games, is competing in two more events in January. The first competition is at Wantagh High School on January 7; they compete the following week at another LICCA competition at Smithtown West High School on January 21.

Congratulations to all the members of the GCHS JV squad for such a strong showing at their first competition: Heather Christ, Morgan Cline, Lauren Danks, Chelsea Dukes, Maggie Fiala, Kaitlin Harrison, Heidi Jaye, Beth Kelly, Annie McDonald, Jackie McManus, Jessica Prisco (captain), Nicole Santangelo (co-captain), Victoria Scalise, Amanda Sena, Cathryn Shine, Lauren Sullivan, and Nicole Vouzianas (co-captain).