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Staten Island Cheer Teams Headed to National Championships

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. heer-teams-headed-to-national-championships.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, January 29th 2026 at 13:02 GMT by Staten Island Advance
      Locale: UNITED STATES

STATEN ISLAND, NY - January 29th, 2026 - The energy is high and the routines are polished as six Staten Island high school cheerleading teams prepare to compete at the National High School Cheerleading Association (NHSCA) National Championships in Orlando, Florida. The teams - hailing from St. Joseph by the Sea, Tottenville, New Dorp, Port Richmond, Wagner, and Susan Wagner high schools - represent the borough's dedication to athletic achievement and the growing popularity of competitive cheerleading.

The NHSCA National Championships are a premier event in the world of high school cheer, drawing teams from across the country to showcase their athleticism, synchronization, and spirit. For these Staten Island squads, the journey to nationals has been months in the making, filled with rigorous practices, fundraising efforts, and a strong commitment to teamwork.

Cheerleading has evolved significantly from its traditional role as a sideline activity. Modern competitive cheer is a demanding sport requiring strength, agility, flexibility, and precise execution of complex stunts, tumbling passes, and choreography. Teams are judged on various criteria, including technical skill, synchronization, creativity, and overall performance quality. The competition isn't just about spirit; it's about athleticism and artistry.

"These students have dedicated countless hours perfecting their routines," says local cheerleading enthusiast Maria Rodriguez, whose daughter participated in the sport several years ago. "The level of dedication and teamwork is truly inspiring. It's far more physically demanding than many people realize, and these girls and boys are athletes in every sense of the word."

Here's a breakdown of when you can catch each Staten Island team in action:

• St. Joseph by the Sea: Friday, January 31st, at 2:40 p.m.
• Tottenville: Friday, January 31st, at 4:40 p.m.
• New Dorp: Saturday, February 1st, at 1:20 p.m.
• Port Richmond: Saturday, February 1st, at 1:40 p.m.
• Wagner: Saturday, February 1st, at 3:40 p.m.
• Susan Wagner: Saturday, February 1st, at 4:00 p.m.

The competition promises to be fierce, but the Staten Island teams are well-prepared to give it their all. Beyond the pursuit of a championship title, the experience of competing at nationals provides these young athletes with valuable life lessons in discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The camaraderie forged through shared goals and challenges will undoubtedly stay with them long after they leave the competition floor.

Funding travel and competition expenses can be a significant hurdle for high school athletic teams. These Staten Island cheerleaders have likely engaged in fundraising activities like car washes, bake sales, and sponsorships to make the trip to Orlando possible. The support of the community has been crucial in enabling these athletes to pursue their passion.

Local businesses and community members are encouraged to show their support by following the teams' progress online and cheering them on from afar. Many schools are using social media to provide updates, photos, and videos from the competition. The enthusiasm and dedication of these athletes are a source of pride for the entire Staten Island community, and their performance at nationals will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cheerleaders.