Andrew Warde High School Cheerleaders Paved the Way for Today's Successful Mustangs' Squad

This year's Fairfield Warde High School cheerleaders are the most successful squad in school history. The girls are now participating in regional competition after recently finishing third in the state event.

Likewise, one of the best athletic squads during our days at Andrew Warde High School was the cheerleading team. The girls led the cheers for our Crimson Eagles' teams, whether on the gridiron or basketball court.

Remember, over a generation ago, there weren't many opportunities for girls to play sports. As a result, the varsity cheerleading squad (photo below) offered the best, if not only, chance for the girls to showcase their athletic talents.

During our senior year, the girls kept school spirits high by leading a huge motorcade across town before the Thanksgiving Day football game against Ludlowe. Captains Theresa Mortimer and Stacey Marden provided the leadership along with returning girls Noreen Gramigna and Mary Lou Mortimer.

Debbie Kressu and Diane Normal led the "Baby Eagles" junior varsity cheerleaders, seen below, in their outstanding support of the younger teams.

Today, the Mustangs' cheerleaders are following in their Crimson Eagles' footsteps. The Fairfield Warde cheerleading team had its best-ever performance at the state competition a week ago Saturday.

The Warde cheerleaders are the first-ever Fairfield high school cheerleading squad to place at this level after tallying 164 points and taking third place in the 19-team Class L field at the New Haven Athletic Center.

"I'm very excited," said Mustangs coach Stephanie Falcone. "I was very nervous during the awards ceremony, but the girls worked hard to get where they are and I'm excited to go to Regionals."

Waterford High (181) won and Fitch (166) edged out Warde for second. Despite a fall, the Mustangs were able to claim third and held off Woodstock Academy (161.5), Foran (161) and Berlin (161). Warde's resiliency helped it overcome its only gaffe.

"The rest of the routine was exciting and it carried us over along with the hard work and dedication," said Falcone. "It's all [because of] hard work, dedication and perseverance and motivating each other and we worked well as a team."

After finishing second at the FCIAC competition on February 2, Warde elevated its level in practice and set its sights in taking an even bigger prize. Congratulations to the Fairfield Warde High School Mustangs' cheerleaders.

Paul

Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.

Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.

Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".