Norwich cheerleaders qualify for nationals
NORWICH - The Norwich youth football and cheerleading program ended a quarter-century relationship with the local conference to broaden its horizons in regionally based American Youth Football this fall.
There was some criticism over Norwich leaving the Southern New England Youth Conference - the main feeder system for Eastern Connecticut Conference teams. But Norwich, especially the cheerleading squads, absolutely expanded their horizons in the AYF ... all the way to the national championships in Kissamee, Fla. next weekend.
The AYF, which features state teams mostly from smaller or larger cities, including Norwich and New London now, offers state, regional and national championship levels. Norwich's 10-and-under cheerleading squad of 16 girls and one boy took advantage of the new opportunity, finishing third in the regional championships at Bridgeport's Webster Bank Arena to land one of the Northeast's three national-tournament bids.
Rhonda Exum, cheer director for Norwich youth football, said the chance to compete nationally was an attractive feature of the new conference affiliation.
"We took a leap of faith by going to the new conference," Exum said. "This is the opportunity we've been shooting for, but it's so tough to get there. It was a close, close competition at the regionals with so much pressure. These cheerleaders have never been part of something so big. You should have seen the look in their eyes when they walked into the arena to see all the teams competing. I said, 'This is only the beginning.' "
Competitive cheerleading includes a 2 1/2- minute routine that combines pyramids, tumbling, cheers and chants.
"Teams are required to put all of those components into one," Exum said. "It's definitely intense."
Exum said the league featured two cheerleading squads - 10-and-under and 18-and-under - to partake in competitions rather than cheer on the sideline during football games. Both teams qualified for post-season, but the older squad had to dissolve because of COVID-19 issues.
"It hasn't been an easy fall for training because of the pandemic," Exum said. "A number of schools where we have trained in the past closed their gyms, but thankfully the Integrated Charter School allowed us to rent their gym for practices. We've been training very hard, meeting five times a week."
Members of the team, called the "Rose City Queens and King," include Brianna Livingston, Darielyz Rodriguez, Nyarah Jarmon, Estrella Capellan-Seda, Alliyah Baird, Akaiya Allen, Malaysia Pemberton, Yvonne Sullivan, Miloh Ruffin, Ava Kashar, Jadaye Muhammad, Nyla Johnson, Landry Bohli, Kei'Andra Brookins, Anglian Rojas, Kyzarae Campbell and "The King" Jayden Dickerson. The coaches are Todd Thomas, Kaliyah Exum, McKenzie Frechette and Shante Talley.
The league has set up a funding account to help defray costs for cheerleaders, coaches and parents to make the trip. Donations can be contributed on the website (Norwichyouthfootball.com) or on link plumfund.com with a debit card. Click on the donate link below the cheerleading pyramid photograph.
The league. which has raised nearly $7,000 as of Saturday according to its website, needs about $20,000.
"This is so exciting because many involved, including parents, have never traveled," Exum said. "It's not easy raising money during a pandemic, plus we've only had a week or so to prepare. We're appreciative of any donations."
The trip, which includes a day at Universal Studios, begins Wednesday.
It's so important for Exum, she will miss an important event. Her son, Khaleed Exum-Strong, a former Norwich Free Academy All-State player, will be honored next week for making All-New England. Exum-Strong rushed for 1,228 yards as a senior for Assumption. The 5-10, 210-pound back was named Northeast 10 Conference Player of the Year.
"This trip is the only way I'd miss supporting him at that dinner," Exum said. "He understands."
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Norwich cheerleaders qualify for nationals
