Misericordia University Cheerleading
301 Lake Street, Dallas, Pa 18612
Misericordia Cheerleaders Appear in  American Cheerleader
Pick -up the June issue of American Cheerleader and find out why America Needs Cheerleaders!  MU is featured in this article for organizing "Cougars for a Cure," an annual event hosted by the MU cheer team to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
MU Cheerleaders Take FIRST for Second Consecutive Year
Misericordia Cheerleaders attended Complete Cheer and Dance's March Championship on March 27, 2010.  The team returned to the competition after winning last season to compete in the College All-Girl division.
The team won the medium all-girl college division.  Placement was as follows:
1.  Misericordia U
2.  Delaware Valley College
3.  Widener University
4.  Jefferson Community College
MU Stunt groups also performed.  Members of the gold group came in first place.  Group members consisted of Colleen Kuchar, Danielle Furnari, Jordan Marzani, Brittany Vetrini and Brittany McCauley. The Blue Group placed fourth out of the seven groups competing in the college partner stunt competition.  Members of the Blue group include:  Erin Bomboy, Stephanie May, Jessica Pavlikowski, Ann Neary and Denise Nerozzi




Above Members of the team celebrate after receiving their first place finish for the 2nd consecutive year.
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MU CHEERLEADERS RANKED 5th
November 5, 2010
The Misericordia Cheerleaders worked hard throughout the month of October to prepare their qualifying tape for UCA Nationals. The results have been posted by UCA and MU's team has been ranked 5th, the highest placement the team has ever received. 
The team will continue to work diligently to prepare the for nationals event in January. 
All Girl Division II - Qualifying Video Results
1 - Slippery Rock University PAID
2 - University of West Georgia PARTIAL PAID
3 - Northern Kentucky University PARTIAL PAID
4 - Avila University AT LARGE - SEMIS
5 - Misericordia University AT LARGE - SEMIS
6 - Kutztown University AT LARGE - SEMIS
7 - The College of New Jersey AT LARGE - SEMIS
8 - Concord University AT LARGE - SEMIS
9 - Glendale College AT LARGE - SEMIS
10 -University of St Francis AT LARGE - SEMIS
MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE
October 29, 2010

In October the MU cheerleaders held a Vera Bradley Bingo in order to raise fund for their nationals trip in January of 2011. 
Prior to the fundraiser the team heard about Audrianna Bartol, a little girl from Hazleton, Pa battling cancer.  Audrianna's strength and courage was admired by the team and they decided to donate all the earnings from the 50/50 raffle to Audrianna's wish.  Thanks to the generosity of all those in attendance the MU cheerleader were able to raise $250 to help make Audrianna's wish to meet Hannah Montana and visit Disney World come true.  A special thanks to the Neary family, who won the 50/50 and donated the winnings back to the worthy cause.
Misericordia Cheerleading Program Hosts Alumni Event


MU welcomed back 21 cheerleading alumni on Saturday, January 29, 2011. Graduates from the class of '02 - '10 were present and all former MU athletes in attendance were coached by Tara Coletti - Sinclair ('01).
Members enjoyed a social prior to the men's basketball game where they revisited video and pictures of past MU teams.  Alumni attended the men's basketball game against Delaware Valley where the Cougars claimed victory over the league leaders 73-60.  Those in attendance enjoyed an alumni dinner at Leggio's Bar and Restaurant after the game.
In this picture: Kelly Gallagher, Sara Moore, Melissa Moore, Vanessa Stivala-Lanfrank, Megan Motto, Colleen Kuchar, Courtney Coletti, Danielle Furnari, Tiffany Painter, Kristina Paddock, Stephanie Yunko, Kristen Zelinski, Beth Guarnieri, Katie Sokolas, Liz Kramer-Dando, Leah Steele, Tara Coletti-Sinclair, Tiffany Gaun-Minnich, Danielle Evans, Heather Elo and Maura Musial.
MU Cheerleader traveled to Orlando, FL on January14, 2011 to participate in Universal Cheerleading Association's College Nationals.  MU, an all-girl Division III cheerleading team, competed against other Division II and III schools from across the United States. 
The Cougars entered the semi-finals having ranked fifth in the qualifying videos.  They were also awarded a perfect score in the crowd leading requirements. 
The Cougars, led by Stephanie May, Katie Lawlor and Jordan marzani, placed ninth in the semi-finals. 
To view the MU team's performance click here and type the teams name into the search bar.

Cheerleading Alumni - January 29, 2011
MU CHEER ATTENDS
UCA NATIONALS
MU CHEER ORGANIZES 3rd ANNUAL COUGARS FOR A CURE
The MU Cheerleaders held Cougars for a Cure on Wednesday February 9, 2011 during the women’s and men’s basketball doubleheader against the DeSales Bulldogs.  The event is organized annually by the Cougar cheerleaders to help raise funds and awareness for those fighting childhood cancer. This year the MU team raised $1,608 dollars from the event; all proceeds support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 
The team sold t-shirts throughout January and February in order to raise money for the event; a total of 212 shirts were sold.  The team also organized a basket raffle, candy sale, and 50/50 raffle.
The Cougar cheerleaders were assisted in raising money for St. Jude’s by a local all-star cheerleading program, The West Side Starz.  Members of the Starz team asked friends and family to sponsor their half-time performance at the 8:00 o’clock men’s game.  The team, comprised of 17 youth cheerleaders, was able to raise $395 dollars for the cause.
This is the third year the Misericordia cheerleaders have organized Cougars for a Cure.  Their total contribution to St. Jude’s since the events conception totals $5,560.00

Sponsors for this year's half-time performance include:

Jennifer Kuna
Georgiann Cusate
Kellie Reidenbach
Alyssa Techmanski
Margarite Glauser
Nicole Howells
Lori Sullivan
Nick Mirigliaiu
Matthew Zasada
Dave Zasada
Kelly Zasada
Natalie Zasada


Jason Stachokus
Flo Ciulla
Debbie Rodinak
Mauly Kivah
Tammy Mikolaichik
Breanna Cannell
Masher Family
Michaels Family
Parsons Family
Margallis Family
Bill Dervinis
Colleen Nee


Collin Zasada
Maggie Zasada
Friends Of Gabby Dobosh
Emily Harden
Grace Jones
Jackie Repasky
Amy Thomas
Diane Polzer
Tannille Copp
Denise Dessoye
Sabrina Pall
Delong Family
Isabelle Concha
Emily Concha
K and K Maintenance
Randy’s Auto Service
Geena Russo
Demko Family
Gentner Family
Chrissy Saylor
Joe Llardi

Above members at the  West Side Starz youth cheerleading team pose for a picture with the MU cheerleaders after their half-time performance at the men's game.

A special thanks to Morgan Sullivan and Kayla Taddei for seeking the most sponsors for the Starz half-time performance!
MU HONORS SENIORS
MU Athletics honored senior players and cheerleader at the basketball doubleheader against FDU on Saturday, February 12, 2011.  Senior cheerleader honored before the men's game include: Katie Lawlor, Brianne Lavelle and Stephanie May.
  All three senior have been a part of the MU cheer program since their freshmen year.  This year Katie Lawlor and Stephanie May served as the team captains, along with junior Jordan Marzani.The three senior of 2011 have represented the cheerleading team well both on the mat and in their academic studies.  Each senior has been recognized for Excellence in Athletics and Academics for three consecutive seasons and that honor will again be rewarded to them this year.
Brianne, Stephanie, and  Katie’s talent and leadership will be greatly missed.  The coaching staff at MU wishes them all the best as they return to MU next year to finish their graduate studies for their Masters Degrees and move on to the professional world.  We have no doubt that with their drive and continuous pursuit of excellence these three girls will do amazing things and find success wherever life takes them.  



For the third consecutive year, Misericordia University Cheerleader took first in the All-Girl Division III College Category at the Complete Cheer and Dance Championship held at Temple University.
The team was also the recipient of the Judge's Choice Crowd Appeal Award for their high energy routine and their crowd leading technique.  The Cougars beat out 28 other college, school and all-star cheer teams in the afternoon session for the Judge's Choice Award.  
The Cougars also showcased two stunt routines at Sunday's competition.  Members of the Blue Stunt Group, which claimed high score on Sunday, include Katie Lawlor, Stephanie May, Brianne Lavelle, Nicole Grim and Sara Richards.  The Gold Stunt Group members include Megan Zelonis, Jordan Marzani, Kayla Whipple, Amber Schmidt and Brittany Vetrini.
A special thanks to graduate student Tiffany Painter who returned to the team to help them finish the season with a 20-person roster.

COUGARS WIN AT TEMPLE UNIVERSITY



The Misericordia University Cheerleading program traveled to the University of Scranton and joined 600 other college cheerleaders to participate in UCA's cheerleading camp on August 9-13th. The team attended the camp to stay informed on cheerleading safety, learn new skills and improve their stunting technique.  Camp instructors also taught cheers and game day material for the upcoming season. At the conclusion of camp, MU completed against other Division II and III all-girl cheerleading teams in the Sideline and Cheer Division.  Misericordia placed third in the sideline division and was runner-up in the cheer category.  The Cougars also received an award from the UCA staff instructors recognizing them as the most improved squad of all Division II and III all-girl teams in attendance.
Senior athlete Kayla Whipple was announced captain at the conclusion of camp.  She will join fellow senior Jordan Marzani in leading this year's team.

August 14, 2011
Cheer Program Attends UCA Summer Camp

  Sunday, November 13, 2011
Cougar Cheer & Dance Challenge
The 8th Annual
Results of the
The Misericordia University cheerleading program hosted the 8th annual Cougar Cheer and Dance Challenge on November 14, 2011. Plains Yankees Senior Team was announced the 2011 Grand Champions in the morning competition for recreational cheerleaders.  They earned the highest overall score of the 23 teams participating in the morning session.
The afternoon featured several talented teams including local all-star teams West Side Starz, Keystone Extreme, All Star Cheer Academy, as well as a team from NY, Cheer Quest All-Stars.  Many area high schools also traveled to Misericordia to participate in the day’s event.  Dallas High School, Pittston Area, Pocono Mountain, Stroudsburg Area, and Delaware Valley were some of the programs featured in the afternoon session.  Cheer Quest’s Senior Level 4 team was announced Grand Champions of twenty three teams participating in the afternoon session.
Finally, this year the MU captains challenged participants to get their families and friends involved with a friendly competition to help out local food pantries.  Teams donated items to earn points for The Charity Cup, which was award to team who brought in the most donations. Pittston Jr. Patriots youth team won the morning session’s charity cup with a total of 231 donated items.  The Northwest Jets and Valley Central Cheerleaders were also top contributors to the food drive.  The afternoon charity cup was awarded to West Side’s Stellar Evolution team.  Keystone Extreme’s Junior and Senior team were also top donators in the afternoon session.  The participants in Sunday’s event were able to gather a total of 2,382 canned and boxed items.  Donations were distributed to the Back Mountain Food Pantry, the Pocono Mountain food drive, First United Methodist Church of West Pittston’s Food Pantry, and the CEO food bank in Wilkes-Barre.  A special thanks to all those who helped make the food drive such a success.
MU CHEERLEADERS EARN 5th PLACE AT UCA NATIONALS
The MU Cheerleaders attended the College Nationals held in Disney’s Wide World of Sports January 12 – 15, 2012.  The annual event, hosted by the Universal Cheerleading Association, allows teams across the U.S. to showcase their talents and complete for the national title. 
After failing to advance to the final round of the competition for the last two years, the coaching staff and captains, Kayla Whipple, Amber Schmidt, and Jordan Marzani, were determined to push the team harder this season.  By increasing the team's difficulty level inside the routine and delivering a nearly flawless performance in the semi-finals, the team succeeded in earning a spot in Division II All-Girl finals.  The Cougars came back onto the performance floor and once again delivered another outstanding performance, which allowed them to secure a fifth place finish.
The team’s 5 seniors have also done an outstanding job setting goals for the program and motivating its young members to achieve them.
The Cougars were nationally ranked
in 2008 as the number 8  All-Girl Division II
cheer team.  The 2012 5th place finish is
the best placement the MU cheer
program has ever earned.

Final Round Results:
1. University of West Georgia
2. Slippery Rock University
3. Southern CT State University
4. Avila University
5. Misericordia University
6. The College of New Jersey
7. Kutztown University
8. Concord University
9. University of Scranton

Other Semi-Final Contestants:
Mississippi Delta
Delaware Valley College
Ottawa University
Fredonia State University
University of St. Francis
Nassau Community College