Youth Club Cheerleaders Are National Champs

The Springfield Youth Club Senior Cheerleaders were recognized as national champions during the April 10 meeting. They took first place in the Senior Rec Division of the Universal Cheer Association National Cheerleading Competition.

"They've worked very hard and put in many hours to achieve this," Board President Jeff Rudolph said.

Sixth Ward Commissioner Robert Layden presented a congratulatory resolution to the team and its volunteer mentors. He has been involved with the Youth Club for about 14 years and his daughter, Brandi, is a member of the squad.

"I've seen this team grow since they were 5 years old," Layden said. "They put together their own funding and went to Florida to compete against [squads from] Texas and Virginia. Now they're labeled best in the nation."

The board applauded squad members Jenna Albany, Sam Arrell, Meghan Bailer, Jackie Ciano, Jules DiFilippo, Jenna Dortone, Cara Dunfee, Bailey Galarus, Holly Gilligan, Gabby Glick, Grace Hackett, Lexie Hoopes, Lexi Jefferis, Brandi Layden, Devon Marker, Annie Maull, Caileigh Maull, Jess McCarthy, Rachael Murphy, Melissa Papale, Emily Phillips, Caitlyn Rich, Allison Riddle, Lauren Shanabarger, Ashley Sullivan, Gabby Varacalli and Kristen Ward.

The resolution states the team has achieved more accolades than any other local cheerleading team. It notes the significant contributions of volunteer coaches Sam Dortone and Erin Sullivan as well as Youth Club Directors Diane Marker and Tracy Dortone.

"Thank you for the recognition and a big 'Thank you' to Bob Layden for all his support," Marker said. "We would have never gotten this far without it."