The Varsity Game Day Cheer Team, the 2023 Section IX Class B champions, will compete in the first-ever NYSPHSAA Game Day Cheerleading Championships at Visions Center in Binghamton on Sunday, Nov. 5.

The team’s recent Section IX Class B championship win is a three–peat, following the team’s Section IX title wins the two prior years!

“We’re very excited, honored and proud to represent Minisink Valley,” said Coach Patti Archiere. “We’re prepared, looking forward to competition and are thankful for everyone’s support.”

Good luck to team members Jillian Babcock, Natalie Christiano, Sara Delmar, Emma Gutzeit, Cadence Larsson, Mia Lockowitz, Analise Massaro, Vicky Melton, Amelia Nasservera, Sierra Orlando, Kailee Osborne, Sara Pauls, Aivee Roach, Erin Rutyna, Emily Turnbull and Coach Patti Archiere.

“This is an exciting time for Game Day Cheer,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA executive director, in a statement.  “The growth of cheer over the last two years has allowed us to establish a state championship event for our membership and recognize the top athletes and teams in this sport. We are looking forward to the first state tournament at a great venue.”

Jennifer Simmons, Gameday Cheer State coordinator, noted in a statement that invitationals were held for the last two years.

“It grew so quickly across the state that the NYSPHSAA Board approved it to become a State Championship,” she added.  “I am looking forward to all the creative things schools come up with to show their school spirit.”

Qualifiers from each of the 11 sections will compete in three divisions throughout the day which totals 31 teams and over 350 athletes participating.  The event will be streamed on the NFHS Network.