REBELS CAPTURE 5TH STRAIGHT STATE CHEER TITLE
By Alan Brehme, Toms River North, JSN Intern
HOWELL – The Howell Rebels cheer team just won states for the eighth time in school history, including the fifth title in a row, dating back to 2015.
This group is comprised of six seniors, 11 juniors, five sophomores and four freshmen – all of whom are willing to contribute any way possible.
These girls have trained their whole life and devoted their time to being a part of this team and it shows how much compassion and love they have for the sport. In 2017, the Howell cheer team had won nationals for the fifth time, and look to add another title this upcoming week.
The Howell cheer squad is coached by Deanna Markovitch, Ashley Dodds, Courtney Kalafsky and Krista Barbiere. The captains are seniors Angelina Pesce, Allison Pinkert and Hanna Rosenmertz. The rest of the senior class includes Amanda Bailey, Morgan Gonzalez and Kayla Kalafsky. Juniors are Hannah Abatemarco, Giuliana Baron, Jianna Cataldo, Jordan Fattorusso, Kylee McGowan, Jessica McKee, Megan Mylod, Briana Palmeiri, Isabella Ramos, Julia Schneider and Olivia Torsiello. Sophomores on the team are Rebecca Mazik, Grace Quigley, Sophia Sarantos, Kayla Walsh and Gianna Tomaino. And the freshmen who made varsity are Carly Braverman, Alexa Musico, Ariella Palmieiri and Angelina Siletti.
“As coaches, we couldn’t ask for a better group of girls. We’re blessed to coach some of the most talented and hardworking athletes, but this group is extra special; they push themselves to be better week after week, and from season to season. They do not settle for mediocrity, ever,” said Dodds when asked about the success of her team. “This group of kids are very special. They are all so coachable, and go above and beyond to achieve their personal and team goals. We have some incredible leadership this year, for these seniors to be state champions all four years of high school speaks volumes to the athletes they are.
“Of course, there’s a certain amount of pressure associated with winning multiple state titles. You want to keep up the streak going, but we remind the girls there’s no such things as an automatic win. Reputation doesn’t mean anything in cheerleading. You have 2:30 to hit your skills, even the smallest error can cost you a win. From week-to-week, and season-to-season, there’s always a need to improve, because as we get better, our competition is getting better, too,” continued Dodds.
“The All-Music Division has grown so much in the last few years, and the competition is fierce. New Jersey has some amazing cheerleading teams, it really pushes you to be better as a coach and an athlete. I am always blown away by the things we are able incorporate into our routine from year to year. We continually strive to push the envelope, add newer, harder skills at a faster pace, and the girls always rise to the occasion. Winning five state titles in a row is obviously amazing, and it’s more than you could ever hope for as a coach, but the amount of growth we have shown each year makes you even more proud. We are so proud of what these girls have accomplished this season; hopefully we will clinch a national title next week-- that would really make for an amazing season, these girls really deserve it.”
Congratulations to the Howell Rebels and their great accomplishments and best of luck to them in the future!
