Saugus and Revere Youth Cheer Compete in Nationals

By Tara Vocino

Saugus, Revere, Peabody, Wakefield and Elite teams are competing in the American Youth Cheer National Tournament in Florida this week. They gave a send-off to parents at Saugus High School on Sunday night. Saugus Youth Football and Cheer President Greg Bluestein said he is proud of all the athletes here tonight.

“People don’t realize the amount of work that goes into this sport and even more so the level of precision you need to have to do it on a national level,” Bluestein said. “It is really cool to have all of these teams representing our league and the North Shore in general.”

Bluestein said he hopes it is a great sense of pride for all of the kids when they see each other in Florida to know they are representing both their communities and our state.

“As for Saugus, to see us going to Nationals for a second year in a row, many of these girls returning after coming in sixth in the nation last season, it is really special and a huge testament to the dedication of the athletes, families, and coaches,” Bluestein said. “Our cheer director, Charlene Berridge, has done an amazing job building this program up to the level we are now, and it shows no sign of slowing down.”

Bluestein said he is Incredibly proud to be part of it.

Elite cheerleader Aryanna DiPietro, of Saugus, said she is excited to have another experience in Florida. “Elite placed fourth, and Saugus placed sixth last year,” Aryanna said.

Elite cheerleader Alexis Welsh, of Saugus, said she plans to junior coach next year. “Cheerleading is my happy place,” Alexis said. “I’m excited to go to Florida.”

Elite cheerleader Sophia Alexandre, of Saugus, said no matter how hard it is, never give up.

The routine lasts approximately two and a half minutes, and they have been practicing since the fall.