ECC hoping to perform their best when it counts
Overall, the Elk County Catholic High School competition cheerleading squad had a successful season last year but did not end up doing as well at the state level as they had hoped. This year, the team returns a dedicated group who are hoping to perform their best when it counts.
“Last year, we were District 9 champions in the Large Varsity division and had the overall high school across all divisions,” said ECC head coach Frankie Herzing. “Unfortunately, we did not get the results we were hoping for at the state championship in 2023, finishing a disappointing eighth place and just missing the cut to move to day two of competition. Ultimately, our results at states came down to poor coaching decisions. We have a group of girls who are committed to being the best they can be, so not much really changes from year to year. We want to enjoy the process and be performing our best when it counts the most.”
Herzing is in her 13th season coaching at the varsity level and her ninth as head coach of the ECC squad.
Herzing shared that, despite losing a number of members of the squad to graduation, the team does not see this as being a rebuilding year. There were 14 seniors on last year’s squad, she noted. “That is not the approach we are taking,” Herzing said. “We have the same expectations and goals that we do every year and are looking forward to a successful season.”
As for what she hopes her team accomplishes this year, Herzing remarked that she would like to see them improve throughout the season and have the opportunity to compete at the state championship again this year.
“Our goal is always for the team members to grow not only in their technical abilities but also to learn more about the sport and learn how to work together as a team,” Herzing said.
Making up this year’s team are seniors McKenzie Bille, Anabelle Chemelli, Izzy Cicione, Brooke Dippold, Jenna Feronti, Laci Jovenitti, Isabella Macer, Kiley Pesce, and Raegan Weaver; junior Riley Duffield; sophomores Ali Groll, Samantha Neubert, Ava Laird, Lilly O’Conner, Clarissa Seltzer, and Jayna Walter; and freshmen Amelia Meyer, Gwen Zuchowski, and Morgan Zuchowski.
“Our flexibility in stunting positions will be a strength this year,” Herzing said. “Born out of what was a weakness coming into the season, we had many athletes switching to a different spot (main base, side base, back spot, flyer) to accommodate for holes left in the roster by graduation. Many girls are utilized in different roles, with some girls even being able to base, back, or fly.”
Herzing noted that the members of her squad have been working hard to replace all of the experience lost from last year’s seniors.
“We are building on the experience of our returners each practice and working our new team members into the mix,” Herzing said.
Herzing shared a few thoughts from members of her team related to what they are most looking forward to this season. Jenna Feronti responded “hitting our stunts and seeing our hard work pay off,” while Brooke Dippold said, “seeing our skills develop and getting upgrades to our routine.”
“I’m looking forward to all of our hard work paying off and competing our routine with confidence,” Laci Jovenitti said.
“I’m excited to bond as a team, and I’m looking forward to seeing our routine develop over the season,” added Lilly O’Conner.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the team, as well as each individual, grow throughout the season,” said Anabelle Chemelli.
Herzing encouraged community members to come support the team during their competitions this season.
“Competitive cheerleading is totally different from what you see us doing on the sidelines at football or basketball games,” Herzing said. “I think the level of athleticism shown and the skills completed would really surprise the average sports fan. The sport is still growing and evolving and looks different today than it did even 10 yeas ago with the stunts that are now legal to perform. Our routine is only two and a half minutes long but exciting to watch and jam packed with skills. If you have never seen a competitive cheer routine or just haven’t in a while, I encourage you to come check out what these kids can do.”
Assisting Herzing this season are Marlene Stubber, Kathleen Kneidel, and Hannah Kline.