MUSTANG SPORTS As defending state champions, Clifton’s competition cheerleading team is motivated and looking toward another successful season. Last year, the team finished second in the Big North Conference championships and took home a first-place state title in the Intermediate Varsity Coed Championship. The Mustangs won the crown for the first time, handily beating out their nearest rivals Long Branch and Toms River South High Schools. The competition was held in Trenton.
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December 2019 • Cliftonmagazine.com
CHEERLEADING This year, Big North Conference competition begins Jan. 6 and mini-meets will feature 24 Big North teams who compete head-to-head every week in January. During these competitions, each team performs twice and a winner is announced following each round. Teams with the most wins at January’s end make it to the mini-meet championship. Last year, Clifton made it to the finals for the first time ever, finishing in fourth place. Regular competitions take place on weekends at local high schools. Beginning practice in September, Clifton competes in the co-ed cheer dance category and will be competing at the state competition at the end of February. Clifton’s competition cheerleading is led by Coach Ashley LaTrace and Senior Captains Jessica Bonilla, Kayla Thompson and Tahira Rafiq. Other varsity members include Patricia Scouten, Savana Leitner, Ariana Castro, Milton Zarzuela, Emma Sime, Mia Maldonado, Nahioly Almonte, Kayleigh Zhitnick, Shantal Moquillaza, Isabella Ranu, Kiara Reid, Serena Cassese, Matthew Rodriguez and Dezmariah Franceschi.