By Jeff White

Through the screaming support from their parents, The Newtown Nighthawks PeeWee cheerleaders made their hard work pay off last Saturday: they placed second in the ninth annual Candlewood Valley Cheerleading Competition at Newtown High School.

“When I heard them cheering, I knew it was for my squad,” recalled Caitlin O’Connell, a two-year veteran of the PeeWees, amid a din of excitement. “I’ve never heard so much cheering for my squad.”

A total of nine Pop Warner cheerleading squads from the greater Danbury area, over 1,000 girls, competed in the event that was hosted by the Nighthawks. Nearly 2,300 spectators crowded into the gymnasium for a contest of their own, to see which squad’s parents could root the loudest

And it was oh so sweet for the parents of the Pee Wees and Junior Midgets, who qualified for the state competition and then the regionals to be held in Boston.

For the 30 girls that make up the Pee Wee squad, last week’s second place finish was the sweetest victory imaginable. One year ago during the same competition, the lady Nighthawks had first place all sealed up, until an illegal move late in their routine dropped the squad to fourth.

They arrived at the high school Saturday determined, if not a little bit nervous.

“I was kind of jumpy and nervous; I just wanted to run,” explained Tory Marlin. “I had butterflies. You get out there, and you are afraid that you are going to forget the dance.”

The Lady Nighthawks had over 100 practices leading up to the competition. Beginning August 1, most of their three-day-a-week practices were spent perfecting their sideline routine—a combination of bouncy, vibrant movements and organized pyramids—for the Pop Warner football season. As the competition drew closer, the girls added a Sunday workout.

“During the practices, we worked hard, but we had fun because we were with our friends,” said Melissa Shepard of the bond these girls share, which held them in good stead as they took the spotlight last Saturday.

Almost every squad member contended that it was the support of their parents that gave them the most confidence. “That’s what made us all pumped up,” said Tara Meehan.

“It was nerve-wracking,” recalled proud parent Cheryl McGrath of the afternoon. Though she thought the lady Nighthawks had a good chance, having sat through last year’s competition prepared Mrs McGrath for the level of talent and the judging. ”They wanted it so bad, and we wanted it for them,” she said.

The judges studied the routines carefully, focusing on facial expressions, mounts, fluidity of movement, overall neatness and crowd participation. When results came in, the Newtown PeeWees were named next to Aspetuck Wildcats as the best in the competition.

Their second place finish was good enough to earn the girls a spot in the regional championships to be held in Boston. “I’ve been to Boston before, but its never felt this good,” said Tory Marlin. “I feel like we earned it.”

When asked if they were disappointed not placing first, the true nature of this lady Nighthawk squad came through: for them, the chance to compete and build their friendships upon teamwork was prize enough.

“I am just really astonished. When it happened, I just fainted and was bawling with tears. I’m just really happy that we made it this far,” said Bria Innaurato.

“We all worked together. There is never one person who holds the whole thing up,” said Caitlin O’Connell.

 “We’re all like best friends,” added Jessica Biscoe.