The Hillsborough Dukes Jr. Pee Wee cheerleaders won in their category at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Pop Warner Cheer and Dance National Championships on Monday, Dec. 7, in Kissimmee, Florida.
The Dukes competed amongst the best of the best of the nation and came home with the gold in the Junior Pee Wee Small Level 3 category.
According to Head Coach Noelle Fonzetti-Creekmur, “It was the perfect season. We placed first in locals, states and regions and headed to Florida determined to finish our season perfect — and we did!”
The team is made up of 5 veterans and 4 girls new to competitive cheer or to cheer all together. The nine girls practiced 10 hours per week in August and six hours per week once school started.
“The girls worked hard throughout the season to advance their skills with tumbling and stunting,” said Ms. Fonzetti-Creekmur. “The hard work has paid off.
“The Level 3 division at a Junior Pee Wee level is very difficult,” she said. “As a coach my goal was for them to just do their best and score well. As they did all season, they exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t be prouder of Hillsborough’s champions.”
The girls spent many hours raising money to make their way to Florida. The team thanked the many businesses and families who contributed to the cheer program.
“The sense of Boro pride in the community is overwhelming,” said the coach. “This was a victory on so many levels — for the girls, the coaching staff, their parents, the Dukes and the town of Hillsborough. Everyone should really share in this accomplishment.”
Members of the Dukes squad are Madyson Covert, Danae Dewberry, Ashley Figliolo, Natalia Fonzetti, Abby Grouss, Sophia Mistretta, Madison Turash, Reagan Pirog and Makaylah Williams.
Assistant coach is DeShaun Creekmur. The team manager is Nicole Figliolo. Dukes Cheer Commissioner is Danielle Scott. High school demonstrators are Courtney Hudak, Brianne Nissel and Courtney Nissel.
