By Susan Manning

Staff writer

A few tenths of a point may have kept these cheerleaders from going to nationals last year, but it’s not stopping them now.  

With 60% of its squad returning from last year, Holliston Panthers Youth Cheer is looking to take the next step from being level one to being level two. 

Coach Melissa Armento explained.

“Leveling up means competitions are judged on more complex stunting and tumbling skills. We are moving from level 1 to level 2. 60% of our team is returning from last year and those athletes narrowly missed going to Nationals by a few tenths of a point. It is something we will never forget! We are all hungry for our next chance to go all the way but we’d rather take the path of new challenges than the path of least resistance,” she said.

Armento said although this is a challenge, she believes the team is up to it.

“We feel these athletes have mastered Level 1 skills and are ready for Level 2. This move will be challenging for the athletes but also the coaches because over 40% of our team is new,” she explained.

So why level up now?

Although, leveling up comes with a lot of added pressure and stress, Armento said one of the major goals of the coaching staff is to prepare our athletes for high school cheer. 

“Leveling up adds to the complexity of their routines and skill expectation while teaching the girls more advanced techniques and tumbling. This ultimately will help with the transition into the High School division. We could have chosen to stay at level 1 but our goals as their coaches are to help the athletes continue to grow not remain the same just to win so we have a lot of new work to do,” she said.

There are 17 athletes all together for game day cheer, with 14 of those athletes advancing into competitions. 

Armento said the team would love to have support from the community.

“Please come find us cheering for 6th, 7th or 8th grade football games. We double up our home games so we can cheer for each grade more frequently. We hope to move through 6 total competitions this season also,” said the coach.

“Pase come support your youth football and cheerleaders in the sunshine or even the rain. We are excited to share what we work so hard on with you all,” said Armento.  

The schedule can be found by visiting Holliston Youth Football and Cheer website:  hollistonyouthfootballandcheer.com. The schedule is listed under the schedule tab.