Cicero-North Syracuse coaches kneeled by the judge's table, anxiously watching their team take the mat. In a packed gymnasium, Jordan Sims and Sierra Colombini were some of the few people who knew all the effort the Northern Stars had put in leading up to Starfest.

"It's a little bit of nerves," Sims said. "But it's really just exciting for everybody to see the hard work they've been putting in."

Sims' nerves turned to joy as C-NS was crowned Class A champions with a final score of 76.40.

Thirty-three schools competed in the 12th rendition of Starfest at North Syracuse Junior High School on Saturday.

Cicero-North Syracuse (Class A), Horseheads (Class B), Hannibal (Class C), Sandy Creek (Class D) and Mexico (co-ed) each won their respective divisions.

For C-NS, it was the final time that their seven seniors would compete in their home gym. They were the last team to compete. Understandably, there were nerves as they placed their props on a mat and huddled together.

"When we're coming up together, about to perform, the adrenaline starts to pump," senior Awo Adu-Gyamfi said. "Then you hear the announcer announcing shout-outs and your family supporting you; and it's like, 'I have to put my all on the mat.'"

C-NS realized their large crowd notably featured people from across the region. The Northstars took pride in playing host; they also appreciated the comfort in not having to travel to another school.

"There definitely is a lot more pressure, but it's also a lot calmer because it's just everyone is here to support you," senior Jaynne Mullahey-Sutkus said.

C-NS gave their seniors a proper sendoff and showed out in front of a large crowd in what was a rewarding afternoon.

"When you get on that mat, you go to a different headspace," Adu-Gyamfi said. "When you finish, you see all the love and support from the people you spend most of your time around. It's just perfect… I live for it."

Sims and Colombini were confident in their team every step of the way. They were encouraging their team loudly just off the mat, while behind them, the crowd matched their energy. Sims was proud of how C-NS performed regardless of the judge's decisions.

"It brings me to tears," Sims said. "Seeing all the stress and all the anxiety that they have behind the scenes, and then to see them go out and hit the routine and be confident. It's a really good sense of joy."

The two-time defending champion Northstars will attempt to build off this performance going into sectionals next Saturday at Onondaga Community College's SRC Arena.

Competition results

Class A

1. Cicero-North Syracuse 76.40

2. West Genesee 71.70

3. Union Endicott 66.30

Class B

1. Horseheads 82.50

2. Indian River 63.10

3. ESM 45.20

4. Oswego 38.70

Class C
 

1. Hannibal 71.20

2. Chittenango 63.70

3. Wayne High School 51.20

4. Cazenovia 41.10

Class D

1. Sandy Creek 68

2. Oriskany-Westmoreland 51.15

3. West Canada Valley 41.60

4. Jordan Elbridge 36.70

5. Cato Meridian 36.20

6. Cincinnatus 30.80

Coed

1. Mexico 70.70

2. Carthage 66.10

3. Phoenix 65.20

4. Chenango Forks 55.45

5. Fulton 42.00

6. Central Square 38.60