The main objective of a cheer competition is working as a team to put together the best routine possible. While that was the goal of the eight varsity teams who participated at the Cicero-North Syracuse Starfest on Saturday, other lessons were learned on this day.

"After a hectic week from snow storms to sickness, the Cicero-North Syracuse varsity cheerleaders managed to place second with only .45 of point behind Maine-Endwell, an incredible team from Section IV," Northstars coach Sierra Colombini said. "This competition taught the coaches and athletes that if a team has a strong bond and determination, they can make anything happen. Hard work always pays off."  

A moment of silence for Ava Wood

While members of the Baldwinsville community continued to deal with the tragic death of Ava Wood, the Bees cheer team went out and performed to a third place finish in the small varsity competition.

"From what I know about Ava Wood, she was a devoted athlete and a fierce competitor," Baldwinsville coach Cassidy Christensen said. "Today on that mat I know my cheerleader's truly embodied Ava's determination and desire to succeed. Practices this week have been an opportunity to come together as a family, and support one another as they remember and honor their classmate and friend."

A moment of silence for Ava Wood was held before the results of the event were announced.

Competition heads to league, sectional finals

"An event like Starfest allows performing teams to see where they're landing on the scoring rubric," Colombini said. "For our Lady Northstars, they got to experience the sensation of performing at a home competition. Building confidence as a performer and cheerleader happens in front of a crowd. There's nothing that'll boost the confidence of an athlete like doing what they love, in front of their families and friends."

Teams will now begin preparing for the Salt City Athletic Conference league championship on Wednesday and sectionals on Feb. 18.

"Now that our girls have gotten their fun competition out of the way, they can focus on consistency and progressing their skills," Colombini said.

Final varsity scores

Small school division

Maine-Endwell 64.20, Cicero-North Syracuse 63.75, Baldwinsville 58.10, Henninger 42.05, Poland 33.60

Large School division

Institute of Technology Central: 43.75

Co-ed division

Jamesville-DeWitt 37.35, East Syracuse Minoa 30.55