T-Birds' Cheerleaders Take Third at Dare the Devil Open

The North Branford cheerleading squad turned in a solid performance at the Dare the Devil Open Cheer Challenge at Central Connecticut State University on Feb. 23.

Despite little time to practice thanks to recent bad weather, the T-Birds, led by Coach Marisa Laudano, took a third-place finish for their routine. You can check out their routine in the attached video. 

"The girls have been working really hard perfecting the routine, adding difficulty and fixing the small stuff," said Laudano. "We got our score sheets from last week's competition so we know what we did well and what needs improving and I will be using that as a guide on how to run practice this week." 

Next up for the T-Birds is the NECA Championships on  beginning at noon. North Branford is expected to take the mat at 1:46 p.m. as one of seven teams competing in its division. Admission is $10 per person and $5 for children 8 and under.   

"At the competition last year we got third place so our goal this year is going to be to match or beat that – something that I think is completely doable," said Laudano.

North Branford will then compete in the state championships on Saturday, March 9 at New Haven's Floyd Little Field House beginning at 10:30 a.m. The T-Birds will compete in a 21-team field.

"There are some really good teams and I want to be in the top 10 somewhere," said Laudano. "If we can do that, I will be happy. If we do better, I will be thrilled." 

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