Commack Elite young cheerleading titlists

The future of Long Island cheerleading is looking bright. In fact, if Commack Elite Cheerleading has any say, it's looking downright award-winning.

Last year, Commack Elite became the first recreational team to go down to the UCA National tournament in Orlando, Fla,, but that simply wasn't enough for Ashley Kuhn and her squad of coaches and nascent cheerleaders. "We decided to push a little harder and practice a little more," Kuhn said.

Their efforts paid dividends, as Commack Elite took first place in the youth division (9 and younger), the junior division (12 and under) and third place in the senior division (14 and under) last Sunday.

The gym, which employs six coaches and administrators, as well as a choreographer, boasts cheerleaders who've learned to perform one-legged stunts, pyramids and a motley of intricate dances.

"We were super proud and these girls worked super hard," Kuhn said. "During the award ceremony you start out very nervous and second place is the most nerve-racking, because now it's either you win or you don't. The emotions were just unbelievable."

"They were so excited to get those jackets."

Indeed the jackets -- white satin with yellow lettering -- speak for themselves: "2012 National Champions."