East Islip Varsity Cheer Places 6th In National Competition

EAST ISLIP, NY — One East Islip sports team continues to have much to cheer about.

The East Islip High School varsity cheer team finished in sixth place at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, the district said.

The competition took place between Feb. 10 through 12.

Coached by Ariel Abesamis, East Islip’s squad of 18 athletes made it through four rounds of competition against more than 85 other teams in one of the largest divisions.

"I have been a part of the EI Cheer program my whole life and it is surreal to see the growth and achievements this program has experienced over the last few years," said Abesamis. "To be nationally ranked is a true testament to the hard work and dedication that the athletes give to this team every day. We are so proud to be 6th in the Nation!"

The team also had many successes this season, such as taking first place at the Suffolk Division I small teams competition at Smithtown West in January.

They also placed fifth out of 21 teams at the UCA Empire Regionals at LIU Post, consisting of all teams from New York state in December.