State Lawmakers Salute New Rochelle H.S. Football Team, Cheerleaders

New Rochelle's delegation of state lawmakers on Tuesday honored the national champion cheerleading team and the state champion football team from New Rochelle High School for their accomplishments in the 2012 seasons.

Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, state Sen. George Latimer, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and Assemblyman Steve Otis hosted the student athletes in Albany and sponsored resolutions in their respective houses proclaiming  the day in the students’ honor.

“Athletics are a major source of pride in the New Rochelle community, and these student athletes played a huge role in putting the Queen City on the map," Stewart-Cousins said. "The football and cheerleading teams displayed teamwork, dedication and drive throughout the season, which clearly paid off in the end. We are all very proud of these young men and women and look forward to their continued success on and off the field.”

The New Rochelle Varsity Football team was crowned New York State Class AA champion in November 2012 after a 34-6 victory over Buffalo-area Orchard Park High School. This was their second state championship victory in as many years.

"The New Rochelle High School community has had a whirlwind of sports successes in the last year," said Latimer said. "Through all their achievements, the parents, teachers, administrators and most importantly, the students, have made us proud.  I'm glad that we were able to show our support for the high school community and congratulate the teams on their accomplishments as athletes and leaders."   

The New Rochelle Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading teams were crowned National Champions at the UCA National Cheerleading Competition in Orlando, Florida last month. This was the first time the New Rochelle Cheerleading Teams won the national championship.

“How it incredible has it been this year for New Rochelle athletics?” Paulin said. “We have the boys basketball team marching toward a state title, girls on the track team setting records and of course, the effort by the football team and the cheerleaders who rooted them on. These young men and women certainly set the bar very high last fall when they won their own State title.

Paulin continued, “What a remarkable group of young men. They made their way through the State playoffs before finishing it off with a big win up in Syracuse to win the championship. We’ve all watched with pride at how [Baltimore Ravens running back] Ray Rice made a name for himself in New Rochelle. I can’t help but wonder which one of these young men I’ll be watching in the NFL a few years from now.” 

Otis commented, "In the storied history of New Rochelle High School athletics, these gridiron and cheerleading champions take their rightful place with the heroes of past generations. To the players, coaches, parents, boosters and fans, congratulations for the outstanding effort that made these championships possible. Your achievements make us proud and are well deserving of the recognition you have earned throughout Westchester and across New York State."