From The Bench - Meet the East Haven Cheerleading Captains

It's time to meet the ladies who are in charge of keeping the East Haven High School Pride and Spirit at a high level. The tri-captains Antonia Torello, Kaitlyn Kapinos and Vanessa Sigular have been involved in cheer from a very young age. The amount of time these ladies and the rest of the cheer team spend practicing and serving their community rivals none. I am sure they will make their East Haven High School and their community very proud! Now let's meet the captains!

Antonia Torello

Cheerleading

2022

I have been cheerleading since 7th grade so this year would be my 6th year.

I do compete in cheerleading and I love it. We have gotten top 3 or top 5 for multiple competitions. But I would love a win. I feel we can work towards that this year. Our team has great potential and my coaches really like to focus more on improvements than wins. That's what is important.

When I was younger I did competitive dance for 10 years. It truly helped shape me into the cheerleader I am today.

After high school I plan to go to college for Interior Design and Architecture.

When times get rough I look to my parents for support. They are always there for me and know exactly what to say to keep me going. I would be nowhere without all they do for me.

My favorite actress is definitely Reese Witherspoon. I just recently watched Legally Blonde and I'm obsessed with her now.

My favorite song to listen to before cheering would have to be September by Earth, Wind & Fire. Because how could you be upset listening to that?

My favorite movie would have to be The Princess Diaries.

My favorite dinner is chicken cutlets. My mom makes a great chicken cutlet which is weird because she's vegan.

Before or after games you will see me eating sour patch watermelon.

I have had so many great moments in cheerleading. What makes it so special is the connections I get to make with my team and my coaches. I love to see everyone come together and work hard as a team. For me specifically the greatest moment was when I got announced Captain. It feels good to be able to help the team out even more than before and be everyone's biggest supporter.

My advice for all the underclassmen is to have fun. Do not let any amount of stress take over your time on the team. It goes by too fast for that. Be open to change and work hard towards your goals.

Vanessa Sigular

Cheerleading

2022

I've been cheering since 7th grade, so about 6 years.

I've competed the last three years but this year decided not to. We have placed in the top 5 for a few of the competitions. Our #1 goal is to win first because we put so much time and effort into the sport.

When I was little, I did gymnastics for about 5 years so it definitely helped with skills in cheerleading.

After high school, I plan on going to college but I'm not sure what for yet.

I always go to my parents when things are rough because I know they support me and I appreciate everything they've done for me.

My favorite actress is probably Zendaya because every movie or show she's in easily becomes one of my favorites.

My favorite song to listen to prior to competing is any song by Beyonce. Everyone on the bus gets super pumped and it brings up our energy.

My favorite movie is Legally Blonde.

My favorite dinner is steak and mashed potatoes.

Favorite snack before/after games is chocolate covered pretzels.

I've had many great moments in cheerleading. Being on the mat with my team knowing our coaches created a great routine is so special. But receiving Captain is my greatest moment because to have other people know you work hard is rewarding and a fantastic motivator.

My advice to underclassmen is to enjoy every moment. It goes by quickly, so be your best self at all times.

Kaitlyn Kapinos

Cheerleading

Graduation year - 2022

I have been cheering since 6th grade, so this is my 7th year cheering.

I do compete in cheerleading. I have been on the competition team since freshman year. Competing is definitely one of my favorite parts of cheerleading. We have consistently placed in the top 10 at states and placed 2nd two years in a row at NECA. Our goal this year is to place first at a competition.

Growing up, I competitively danced for 10 years.

I want to major in biology with the intent of going to medical school.

When times get rough, I always go to my parents for support. My parents have always supported me and have always been my number one fans. They always know the right thing to say and always have my back.

My favorite actor is Zac Efron. Every show/movie he is in is always so entertaining to watch.

My favorite song to listen to before competing is definitely anything by Nicki Manaj. Her music pumps everyone up and gets us excited to compete.

My favorite movie is Legally Blonde. Everytime I watch that movie I always feel empowered and it always makes me laugh.

My favorite dinner is gnocchi.

Before or after every game, I like to eat either sour patch watermelon or brownie batter M and M's.

My greatest accomplishments in cheerleading was becoming captain and being Sports Person of the Week in the newspaper. Becoming captain was such an honor. It reinforced all the hard work that I have put into cheer this far and allowed me to use my leadership skills to lead the team and the underclassmen. Being chosen for Sports Person of the Week was also an honor. Knowing my coaches believed I was a leader and were happy of what I have brought to the team really was a proud moment in my cheer career.

My advice to the younger athletes would be to enjoy the ride. Your time in high school will go by extremely fast, so work hard, have fun, and never take anything for granted.

From The Bench wishes the captains and their team all the best in 2021-2022!

Mark Curcio

From The Bench

Curcio Sports Photos