TYNGSBORO — The Greater Lowell Tech cheerleaders have been on the move, earning milestone achievements every step of the way.
The team recently returned from competing at the National Cheer Association High School Competition, Jan. 21-22 in Dallas. The Gryphons finished sixth in the country in their division.
“We’ve had an insane year,” said Jennifer Riley, Greater Lowell’s head varsity cheerleading coach. “It’s been a long four years for me to rebuild this program, and I am incredibly proud of them.”
Representing the team were senior captain Maddy Faria, junior captains Mya Pires and Maddie Bradley, as well as Megan Springer, Khadija Bangura, Abby Pires, Ava Emerson, Dalilah Carbonneau, Ayla James, Jordyn Polito, Jennie Estrada, Julia Degnan, Laniya Santana and Brielle Hood.
The Gryphons opened the year by taking first all-around at NCA Camp to earn its bid to nationals. They followed with a successful run, placing first or second in several invitationals, before qualifying at the Fall States for nationals for the first time in the program’s history.
“There are no words to express how amazing that experience was,” said Riley.
The team returned to the Bay State and resumed its winning ways, placing first in Division 1 Regionals, while taking third in states this past weekend, making Greater Lowell history yet again.
A team that never slows down, Greater Lowell was also scheduled to compete at the New England Spirit Championships.
“This team works so hard, and it shows when they hit the mat,” said Riley. “Gryphon cheerleaders are made of fire and sass. A lot of cheerleaders go to private gyms to improve their skills and support, but our team goes through the growing pains together as one. We’re a big cheer family, and so lucky that the parents and relatives help every step of the way.”
Taking the reins in 2019, Riley has continued to build the program, which hasn’t always been easy. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the team to the sidelines for over a year, but they’ve been making up for lost time ever since.
“It’s been quite the ride, but we have an outstanding school board and administration,” said Riley, noting the work of superintendent Jill Davis, assistant superintendent Michael Barton, athletic director Mark White and assistant coach Mya Medina. “I changed the routine for nationals so that every team member, not just competition varsity, could compete. That was a crazy job just within itself, but I wanted every member of the team to have a chance to compete on the mat, in front of the National Cheer Association televised competition.”
