This is my second season coaching the Division Avenue Varsity Cheerleaders. Football season seems to be the more challenging of the two. Maybe it's the inclement weather at times, or just that my cheerleaders seem to have a lot of responsibilities (jobs, other school activities, etc.), but this season has definitely been more challenging. The girls this year have been working very hard doing fundraisers, making posters, working on their routines, and balancing all of this with their schoolwork, jobs, families and their social lives ... things I remember doing when I was a cheerleader at Division. All of the girls on the team work very hard in all aspects of their lives, but there are two in particular that I would like to focus on at this time: Sarah Malinowitz and Keri Rosalia.

Sarah has been a cheerleader since second grade, in Red Devils and Maria Regina when she was younger and now here at Division. She is one of three co-captains. Sarah is a hardworking, dedicated cheerleader who puts her all into learning the routines and encouraging her teammates. She is looking forward to going to St. Joseph's College in Patchogue after graduating from Division this year and plans on becoming a special education teacher. Sarah is also a member of the Future Teachers of America, which is a new student organization here at Division that is designed to better prepare students for the rewarding career of being a teacher.

Keri has been cheerleading for 11 years. She was also in Red Devils, as well as part of the St. Bernard's cheerleading program. She began cheering at Division when she was a freshman. In 11th grade, Keri was asked to join Cheer Xcel's All-Star team, which competes all over the East Coast. Keri has coached Red Devil's cheerleading for six years and St. Bernard's for two. She also makes time to be a part of the Division Avenue Competition Cheerleading team, coached by Ms. Damon. Keri plans on going to Sacred Heart University in Connecticut after high school and would like to become a math teacher. Keri is extremely dedicated to cheerleading and is a very talented and motivated leader. She is constantly helping her teammates and brings many ideas to the routines and sidelines. Keri co-choreographed this season's halftime dance and has single-handedly introduced the team to a number of new and innovative sidelines. She is also our resident tumbler, constantly impressing the crowds with her backhand springs and other gymnastic feats.

Both girls have helped to make this season go a lot smoother for me, as well as their other co-captain, Siobhan Delgado, who is responsible for creating the halftime cheer. I appreciate all of their dedication and hard work and look forward to working with them again during basketball season. I would like to invite all Tribune readers to come root for the Dragons and support the cheerleaders in our upcoming home games, particularly our Homecoming game on Nov. 9.