November 27, 2012 // Local
Cheerleaders sweep state championships
Members of the Bishop Dwenger High School varsity cheerleading team include Elizabeth Budzon, Emily Budzon, Bri Campbell, Lauren Didier, Paige Didier, Alexis Eddy, Dominique Effinger, Haley Enrietto, Erin Grutsch, Nicole Gulachek, Maggie Houlihan, Lindsey Noye, Becca Paladino, Morgan Pearson, Graisen Proctor, Claire Schenkel, Lucy Schenkel, Emily Tippmann, Mariah Tippmann, Rachel Venderley, Allison White and Alex Yoder.
By Michelle Castleman
FORT WAYNE — The Bishop Dwenger Saints have done it again. On Nov. 3, the Bishop Dwenger varsity cheer team completed a sweep of the Indiana State Cheer Championships in Indianapolis.
Prior to this momentous day, the freshmen and junior varsity squads both earned the title of State Champions on Oct. 20. The very first time one school ever claimed titles at all three levels was when Bishop Dwenger did it in 2010, so this marks just the second time in history.
“I remember thinking to myself in 2010 that this would be the only time this ever happened and here we are again with another super season,” marveled Coach Amy Gonzagowski.
Members of the Bishop Dwenger High School junior varsity cheerleading team include Clare Anderson, Mica Buenconsejo, Maggie Byrne, Jenna Eckland, Grace Gillig, Hannah Henry, Haley Houlihan, Eve Lowery, Erica Nelson, Lauren Reinhart, Alison Roussey, Anna Russell, Ali Tippmann, Amelia Tippmann, Gloria Tippmann and Maddy Tippmann.
Bishop Dwenger varsity clinched the Class 3-A state titles in 1998, 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
The nine-member freshman team worked hard and won the state title over much bigger schools such as Carmel and Hamilton Southeastern, while the 16 junior varsity girls wowed the judges with their skills and won by a narrow .1 margin over powerhouses such at Mount Vernon, Carmel, Fishers, Pendelton Heights and Hamilton Southeastern.
The varsity squad of 22 was down to 20 members at the state finals in Southport due to injury and illness. “This team really had to pull together and work harder than any other team I have ever coached. They have been led by an extremely talented and dedicated group of seniors,” explained Gonzagowski.
With the 10 seniors leading the way, Bishop Dwenger’s decorated program received its highest point total ever at the state championships.
Members of the Bishop Dwenger High School freshmen cheerleading team include Stefania Ackerman, Cierra Cuney, Anna DeJong, Mary Eber, Moriah Heath, Madison Johnson, Karlie Rice, Hannah Vanek and Christina Wilde.
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