Staples wins honors at FCIAC cheerleader competition

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Staples cheerleading team has brought home an FCIAC trophy.

Staples placed fifth at the FCIAC championships Saturday at the Wilton High School fieldhouse with 130 points. Fairfield Ludlowe won the competition with 156 points, followed by St. Joseph (145.5), Fairfield Warde (134.5) and Greenwich (132.5).

Staples' last trophy was for a fifth-place finish at the 2003 championships.

"It sure feels great," said Lady Wreckers coach Avery Watson, who had not expected a top-five finish. "Winning wasn't expected because Rome wasn't built in a day. I just wanted them to go out there and do a routine. They felt good about themselves. It was nice to see their hard work pay off."

Hitting the floor with enthusiasm also helped Staples. The Lady Wreckers were all smiles and poised when their program began. They showed spirit in chanting while sticking their four toe-touch baskets. Their tumblers also hit their back handsprings and back tucks.

"Tumbling is one of our strengths this year," Watson said.

In addition, senior captain Jacquelyn Fritz and juniors Maddie Mann and Olivia Stanley earned All-FCIAC honors.

Also cheering for the Lady Wreckers were senior Mikaela Kirby, juniors Alexa Casimir, Jasmine Henry, Hannah Weinberg, Stanley, Mann, Zoe Googe and Nicole McNees, sophomores Emma Mikesh, Katie Kelly, Annie Raifaisen, Amanda Streiter, Taylor Cusa and Eliza Yass and freshmen Olivis Blevins, Alexa Davis, Kana Higuchi, Samantha Troy, Lindsey Gianitti and Sarah Ellman.

Contact Eliot Schickler at eschickler@bcnnew.com.