The West Milford High School Varsity cheerleaders 2012-2013 season is underway and the team has taken on the challenge of becoming the best.

            This year there are sixteen girls on the team: two seniors, eight juniors and six sophomores. Senior captains Marissa Driscoll and Victoria Lascari, along with Coach Krista Tripodi, lead the team and are pushing the girls to reach their potential.

            “The girls work extremely hard everyday at practice with builds, tumbling, dancing, cheer and motions. We had some injuries early in the season, which held us back a little bit. Since their return, builds have gotten stronger and they are improving more everyday,” stated Coach Tripodi.

            The cheerleading team’s season begins in August and continues on through February. The lengthy season allows the girls plenty of time to work hard and reach their goals. Additionally, having practice every day Monday- Friday proves the team is hard working. Cheerleading involves the creation of a routine and then plenty of work to perfect it.

            The team will host a competition on Nov. 10 at WMHS. The rules of cheerleading state that when a school hosts a competition, the team cannot officially compete. However, the squad will compete later in the season. Coach Tripodi predicted, “I think we will do great. We have a great routine that is amazing to watch. With every competition, we get better and learn from any mistakes that were made. We have a great reputation and I expect nothing less this year!”

            Even with a young team, the girls are determined to prove what they can do. In February, the team will travel to a national competition with the goal of bringing home the first place title.