Oxford Cheer Squad Takes Home Class S State Championship

TRUMBULL, CT — If the trend established over the past five years was any indication of what was in store for the Oxford High School cheerleading squad, its members must have been brimming with confidence entering Saturday's state championship competition at Trumbull High School.

After finishing second in Class S in 2020, no competition took place the following year due to the coronavirus pandemic. When the event resumed in 2022, Oxford took top honors, then placed third in 2023 and second last year.

When the 21 teams in Class S had completed their routines, the trend had indeed continued. The Wolverines scored 89.80 points to emerge victorious over the 86.80 posted by Montville. Seymour was third with 84.00 points.

Coached by sisters Samantha Barker and Candice Tabone, team members are seniors Katy Fillow, Marissa Rosa and Ava Sheftz; juniors Sarah Benczkowski, Mia Mennillo, Cheyenne Mullen and Kayla Welsh; and sophomores Amanda Benczkowski, Gianna Teixeira and Isabella Torre.

"We are so proud of the team, they have worked extremely hard this season focusing on energy and consistency," Barker told Patch. "We are lucky to be their coaches."

In state competition, each team performs a two-and-a-half minute routine which incorporates motions, tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids, jumps and dance.

"There is a rubrics which each judge follows," tournament director Sherrie Zembruzski told Patch. "In a way similar to gymnastics, certain elements of the routine are more difficult and are awarded more points."

Other class champions were Greenwich (LL), Newtown (L), Ansonia (M) and Wethersfield (co-ed).

The top three squads in each of the five divisions have the opportunity to compete at the New England Championships at Worcester State University on March 22.