Ahead of the National High School Cheer Competition next week, four of Staten Island’s competing schools will have one more chance to show off its routines in their hometown.
“The Staten Island Alliance Showcase,” hosted by Wagner College’s cheer program, will take place at Spiro Sports Center on Friday, Jan. 23. Open to the general public, the event will feature performances from Moore Catholic, Notre Dame Academy, St. Joseph Hill and elementary school St. Charles. St. Clare’s, also competing at Nationals, is unable to attend due to prior commitments.
This will be the first time in six years the showcase will take place, halted due to Covid-19.
“This is an event with rich history, and we’re excited to bring it to Wagner and grateful for the opportunity to bring back the Staten Island Alliance,” said Wagner head coach Tiffany Galbo, whose squad recently competed at UCA College Nationals. “We’re a community here, so if there’s anything I could do for the high school cheerleading programs, why not?
While the event is free to attend, there will be concessions sold by Wagner’s softball team. In addition, parking will be available along Howard Ave and in the football parking lot directly across the street.
The Staten Island Alliance Cheer Showcase, hosted by Wagner College, is set to take place on Friday, Jan. 23. (Courtesy of Tiffany Galbo)(Courtesy of Tiffany Galbo)
Doors are scheduled to open at 7:30pm, with the event slated to start at 7:45pm. While every team will perform once, each squad’s seniors will also receive recognition during the showcase.
And, with all of Staten Island’s high schools competing in the same traditional division this year, Galbo emphasized the importance of supporting each other ahead of Nationals while getting to perform one more time in the borough.
“Most of these girls have cheered together before [in CYO] and some will probably cheer in college together, so it’s nice to see them all come together and support each other,” added Galbo. “I know the girls have competed so many times, locally and out-of-state, but I’m just excited for them to be under one roof and to bring back the history of the Alliance for years to come.
“Everyone was super excited and happy to bring it back, and it’s the best way for us to wish all the teams the best of luck as they head to Florida. And, I’ll say it again, I’m looking for [our teams] to bring home a championship trophy to Staten Island so I’ll support them in any which way I can.”