Sachem East, Mount Sinai, Ward Melville win state cheerleading championships

BINGHAMTON — “We just made history.”

Those four words rang out from the hysterical huddle of Sachem East cheerleaders and coaches as they lifted their plaque into the air in celebration of their first state cheerleading title at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday afternoon.

“I’m completely speechless,” sophomore base Isabella Sharp-Senior said. "I don’t think any of us have wanted anything more than this and we showed that on the mat today.”

Despite receiving a deduction point, the squad’s execution of more difficult stunts and jumps, including freshman Kacey Berger’s full, helped Sachem East win the Class A title.

“I decided to do a full instead of a standing full in the finals routine because I knew it would help the team,” Berger said. “I had the confidence and trust from my teammates and that’s what really helped me.”

“Every single girl just stepped up like no other and did what was needed,” co-coach Brianna Aghabekian said. “Without hesitation [Kacey] decided to push herself. The selflessness of this team and their ability to elevate each other is what made this happen today.”

For co-coaches and sisters Brianna and Victoria Aghabekian, the moment was unforgettable.

“It doesn’t feel real,” said Victoria, wiping tears from her face. “As cheerleaders at Sachem East ourselves we never won states, and it being our first time now as coaches is just extra special. The way those kids faces lit up is a moment I’ll never forget.”

Sachem East was immediately met on the mat by the Mount Sinai squad, who clinched the Class C crown to secure their fifth consecutive state title and sixth overall. A hurricane of red and black formed as the two Suffolk squads embraced one another in tears and held up their plaques side-by-side while posing for a photo together.

“The feeling never gets old,” Mustangs senior flyer Ava Furbush said. “We push ourselves every year to get back to this spot and it’s always an honor to win.”

Winning a state championship was a new feeling for eighth-grader Lylah Sulpizio, who performed Saturday for the first time this season.

“One of our tumblers wasn’t feeling well this morning so as an alternate Lylah quickly stepped in for a huge part of our routine,” coach Megan Wesolowski said. “While there’s always a little bit of uncertainty with a last-minute change, the team trusted her. Once she went out there, her confidence came through.”

“Honestly, I was really scared and nervous,” Sulpizio said. "But once I got on to the mat all my nerves left me and I just started having fun.”

According to Wesolowski, fun and “flair” are key to a successful Mustangs routine.

“They just love to entertain people, so I let them spice up the routine. They add more things into our dance to make it intricate and fun for them to perform,” Wesolowski said. “They love the energy here because it’s different than anywhere else. [Our routine] is more traditional when we go to nationals but here, we add a little bit of flair.”

Added Furbush: “It gets harder every year with the level of competition here, but we always focus on going out there and having fun and that's something you will always see from us.”

Suffolk crowned its third state champion when Ward Melville’s flawless routine earned the Patriots the coed crown. The title capped an undefeated season in Ward Melville’s first trip to the state championship.

“This whole season has been an absolute dream,” senior main base Sophia Corpac said. “This team is just a family and it truly shows on the mat. I’m so grateful for this experience and to end my senior season like this. It’s a dream come true.”

West Babylon finished fifth in Class B.

By Carissa Kellman

carissa.kellman@newsday.com@CarissaKellman