2010 Cardinal Newman cheerleaders (l–r): Front Row – London Southern, Sara Scoggins, Elizabeth Hayden, Slayden Thomas, Katie Pindar, and Ashleigh McMaster; Second Row – Leeann Leonhardt, Anne Marie Cleary, Savannah Bradford, Elizabeth Davis, Madeline Williams, Shireen Babaee, and Kaylee Amick; Third Row – Taylor Seal, Annaliese Marczesky, Christa Sims, Krystyna Bogle, Kaitlyn Herbkersman, Savannah Bacon, and Cassidy Davidson; Fourth Row – Annabel Dannelly, Meghan Gasser, Caroline Matthews, Greg Craft, Elaine Beck, Gina Bellini, and Lisa Bellini. Photo by Jim Marczesky Coach Ellen Jennings has her Cardinal Newman cheerleading squad ready to contend for a sixth consecutive state title in 2010.

One of her major challenges this season is to replace two very talented flyers: Courtney Alexander and Christine Egan. But she knows she can count on her returning all–state cheerleaders, Elaine Beck and Krystyna Bogle, to help guide the new flyers through the very demanding routines.

This year Jennings has a new twist to her team: the squad welcomes its first male athlete, freshman Greg Craft. He comes into the school with much experience as a cheerleader, having cheered on an all–star team with Flying High Academy. Craft’s addition will allow the team to add, in Jennings’ words, “fun choreography” to the routine.

Jennings is looking forward to a great year, so long as the team remains healthy and focused. Previous squads have set the bar high; a sixth straight title would be unprecedented in any sport at Cardinal Newman. The success of the team has put a bullseye squarely on them; many teams, including Hammond, Orangeburg Prep, and Augusta Christian are looking to take the title from them.