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Season Preview: Cheer team aiming high

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The cheer team. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The cheer team is aiming for another state title.

For the Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleading team, this fall has been a long time coming.

“We’ve been waiting for this season for what seems like forever,” said fourth-year head coach Alyssa Pietrasik. “I am so ecstatic to be back with the team, but more importantly I’m ready to work.”

As, too, are the cheerleaders — led by senior captains Jazzy Gomes, Tiffany Joyce and Samantha Sicuranza.

“They each bring unique and different leadership to the team and truly want what is best for the program,” Pietrasik said. “They lead by example and are the first three to put in the extra time and effort to make the team successful.”

To prepare for this autumn, the team spent the the summer reading the book “Wolfpack” by Abby Wambach, which details new rules for athletes to follow in sports.

“In essence, its the idea of crashing through the glass ceiling of old rules and coming forward as your most authentic and true self to better your team,” Pietrasik said. “This season the message is just that. This is a new team and the possibilities are endless. They can achieve any single thing they set their mind to. In a way, our focus is that mindset, the rules and possibilities you create for yourself are more important than anything else.”

On the mat, Pietrasik said her team’s strength is its stunting.

“It is something I’ve been working on with them since for the last few years and this year we really seem to have a well-balanced team for it,” she said. “Mentally, their strength is in their mindset, they are workers, they want to win, and they want to bring back the legacy that is W-H cheerleading. I’m so excited to see where that drive takes them.”

The cheerleaders, who can be spotted cheering on the football team at games, opens their competition season on Saturday, Oct. 23 with the Duxbury Invitational.

“The goal, as always, is to build a team that becomes a family and make lifelong memories as we do it, but this season we also are really gunning for another league and state title,” Pietrasik said. “This team has a hunger for it. They are ready to put in the work.”

Changes for winter sports

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There are multiple changes to the winter sports season.

The winter sports season is a go — for some teams.

Basketball, ice hockey and gymnastics are set to begin on Dec. 14. Indoor track has been moved to Fall II, while cheerleading and wrestling were pushed back to the spring.

“The news hurts, but was expected,” said Whitman-Hanson Regional High wrestling head coach Gary Rabinovitz. “At this point in time there really is not much that we can do to prepare for the season. I will continue to encourage everyone to step up whatever workouts they are currently doing. If the season does happen, we need to be in top shape going in so that we can work technique right from the start. I’m not sure what will be possible. I will do whatever I can to keep the team informed and ready to go if or when we get the green light.”

Girls’ indoor track head coach Steve George also wasn’t surprised his season was moved. The Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, where his team participates in meets, hasn’t held events since March.

“We’re taking advantage of every opportunity to keep our kids happy, healthy and conditioned though,” George said. “We’ve asked that athletes continue to work independently until then. I’m happy to report that quite a few are doing just that.”

As for the cheerleading team, which also had its fall season postponed, it’s doing what it can to stay together during an unprecedented time.

“Of course, it’s disappointing to hear that we will not be starting our season,” said head coach Alyssa Pietrasik. “We’ve still been meeting and conditioning on Fridays so it has been nice to stay connected and continue building our team community. If you look at it that way — we have all this extra time to build a bond for whenever we can cheer competitively again. When the season does start and things open back up, Whitman-Hanson varsity cheer will be ready.”

No football, cheerleading this fall

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Football and cheerleading have been pushed off from this fall to a “sandwich” season in February.

There won’t be any Friday night lights or Thanksgiving Day football this coming fall.

The MIAA Board of Directors has moved football and fall cheerleading back to the spring in a season it’s calling “Fall II,” that will run from Feb. 22 to April 25. Both are deemed high-risk sports.

“It is the best case scenario for our players and our seniors to get a season in,” said Whitman-Hanson Regional High football head coach Mike Driscoll. “Obviously, we would like life to be normal and have a regular fall season, but that is not the case right now. We will make the best out of the current situation and our guys will be hungry and ready to go come the end of February.”

W-H cheerleading head coach Alyssa Pietrasik also understands the move.

“We are disappointed that we won’t have our fall season, there’s something special and unique about those Friday nights under the lights and the extreme competitiveness of fall cheer,” she said. “But in reality, our day will come when the world is a safer place. Right now we need to buckle down and keep our distance so that we can get to business come February. But I will say that I can’t wait for that day to come.”

The regular fall season, which will include soccer, gymnastics, cross country, field hockey, girls’ volleyball, and boys’ golf, will start on Sept. 18.

The Patriot League will play its games in a bubble, which means schools will only play games against teams in their respective division (Keenan or Fisher). W-H is in the Keenan Division with Duxbury, Marshfield Plymouth North Silver Lake and Quincy. However, there are a few executions: boys’ soccer will face North Quincy, while field hockey and girls soccer’ and girls’ volleyball will play one game against Notre Dame Academy (of Hingham). The league will conclude play with the Patriot Cup, which will end no later than Nov. 20. There won’t be a state tournament.

“This  isn’t really about championships, it’s not about banners in the gym,” said W-H athletic director Bob Rodgers at last Friday’s school committee meeting. “It’s about giving kids participation — allowing them to be part of something.”

Hurley a double-sport star this winter

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Senior Ryley Hurley starred on both the mat and track this winter.

Ryley Hurley was feeling ambitious this winter and wanted to try something different. So, she did.

Already a four-time state champion cheerleader, you weren’t going to keep her off the mat. But with the cheerleading team opting to be noncompetitive for the season, that opened the door for Hurley, a senior at Whitman-Hanson Regional High, to flash her talents as a double-sport athlete. She knew it and joined the girls’ indoor track team.

“I really enjoyed being a part of two teams,” Hurley said. “It kept me fully involved with the school spirit and I love that. I had track practice every day after school, including days with meets. On days where we had to cheer at the basketball game, we would have a practice beforehand.”

Despite the busy schedule, she flourished. In addition to being named the MVP of the cheerleading team, Hurley was one of the girls’ indoor track team’s top point-getters.

“I am so proud of what I have accomplished not only this past winter season, but all four years of high school,” Hurley said. “Being a part of a team is so special. Even if the outcome was not what we hoped for, the bonds that I have made along the way make every practice and moment worth it.”

Hurley’s track career began middle school, but she didn’t participate in high school until last spring after some persuading.

“I recognized her athletic ability previously after watching the cheerleading practices, which took place in the gym while we practiced on the indoor track,” said W-H girls’ indoor and outdoor track head coach Steve George. “She was, in my opinion, that team’s most athletic member and its best gymnast. I felt she could be a very good track athlete.

“I asked a couple of our team members who had been cheerleaders, Dorothy DiMascio-Donohue and Allison Bartlett, to encourage Ryley to join the team.”

Hurley made a statement, qualifying for states in both the 400-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles. This winter, she excelled in 300-meter dash, high jump, long jump and as a leg on the 4×200 relay team and racked up the third most points on the team. She was unable to participate in the pentathlon after having her wisdom teeth extracted.

Ryley Hurley in track. / Photo by: Sue Moss

“She has the gift of speed and that along with her natural athleticism make her a track athlete with unlimited potential,” George said. “She also brings with her a genuine enthusiasm and willingness to take on any event when asked, adding the long and high jump to her resume.”

Hurley said picking up track last spring benefited her when the cheer season rolled around this fall.

“Doing track last spring and continuing the training all year really helped improve my stamina,” she said. “I was in shape and ready to go for the start of my fall season.”

Hurley’s passion for cheerleading began in second grade and has never wavered.

“From the first moment that I took the mat to compete I knew I was in it for the long haul,” Hurley said. “I loved learning new tumbling skills as well as learning new stunting positions throughout the years.”

She wrapped up her high school cheerleading career with four state titles, an NCA National title and a New England title.

“She is an athlete that has in one two-minute routine quite literally been in almost every stunting position,” said W-H cheerleading head coach Alyssa Hayes. “I would say that’s a rare feat, especially for high school cheer. She is our best jumper. She is one of our captains. She motivates the team. I could go on and on.”

Hurley and head cheerleading coach Alyssa Hayes. / Photo by: Sue Moss

Hayes said Hurley’s grit and determination make her special.

“I have seen her encounter obstacles in both youth and high school cheerleading, academics, tough losses, and regardless of each problem she pushes through until coming through to the other side,” Hayes said.

One of those obstacles is a tumbling block, which is a mental hurdle that keeps you from completing a tumble kill that you’ve done — even moments before.

“Mine has surfaced throughout the years usually after a fall of some sort,” Hurley said. “When the block would appear, I never gave up, not even once. Through multiple tumbling classes and talking myself through it I continue to try and push past it.”

Hurley said when she looks back on her time at W-H, one day comes to mind before any other.

“My greatest high school athletic memory so far was winning States for the first [during] time winter season of my freshman year,” Hurley said.

*This story will run in the Express’ print edition on Thursday, May 7. 

Cheerleading wins 26th straight league title

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The cheer team. / Courtesy photo

On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleaders won their 26th straight Patriot League title, edging out Duxbury.

They did it again.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleaders won their 26th straight Patriot League title, edging out Duxbury.

“It feels great,” said W-H head coach Alyssa Hayes.

“Having a high standing within the league and the teams we see over and over all year is a very accomplishing feeling; everyone works so hard.”

However, Hayes said she doesn’t want the program’s reputation to overshadow what goes on behind the scenes.

“One of our mantras this season has been the idea that the legacy was built from the ground up and takes hard work, grit, determination, long hours, whatever is needed to uphold,” Hayes said. “It isn’t something that is deserved because you’re a Whitman-Hanson cheerleader; it is something that is earned through many hours of heart.”

The win came after placing second at the Braintree Invitational the week before.

“We had a long and hard week for sure,” Hayes said. “We changed our routine due to a couple of injuries, reworked stunts and sections of the routine based on scores from the first competition, and really just put our heads down and did the work that was needed to come out on top at the league championship.”

Hayes said the goal between now and regionals (Nov. 17) is to become secure in the skills that are in the routine and start perfecting them as best possible.

“Ideally, it is not a time for changes but instead a time to become as close to consistency and perfection as we can be,” she said.

The Panthers — who are captained by seniors Kaylee Diehl, Ryley Hurley and junior Savannah Poirier — are back on the mat this Sunday, Nov. 3 at home at 2 p.m., as they host the Panther Invitational.

“In cheerleading, and most sports, there’s that idea of “peaking” too early,” Hayes said. “Right now, the goal is to continue to improve all the way into [states] and never hit that moment of stagnancy.”

Season Preview: Cheerleading team eyeing another state title

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The cheerleading team. / Photo by: Sue Moss

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleaders enter the new year chasing the program’s 15th state title. No. 14 came last fall. 

Their eyes are always on the next one. 

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleaders enter the new year chasing the program’s 15th state title. No. 14 came last fall. 

“The team definitely has a fire under them this season to return as back to back fall state champions,” said Alyssa Hayes, who enters her second full year as the team’s head coach. 

The Panthers return nine cheerleaders from that championship squad. They’ll be part of a 20-player varsity club, the largest roster in some time, making depth an obvious strength.

“I am so excited to see four stunt groups in the air,” Hayes said. “We have flyers that can also base, bases that can fly, back spots that have done all four stunting positions. With that type of dynamic team where everyone can be anywhere on the mat at any time — our opportunity to have a difficult, challenging, but rewarding routine really increases.”

W-H is led on the mat by a trio of decorated captains — seniors Ryley Hurley, Kaylee Diehl and junior Savannah Poirier. 

“All three of them bring positivity, talent, and hard work to the table,” Hayes said. “They’re often the three that are after practice cleaning up or working with someone on the team to get a skill down. I think it’s important to lead by example and these three most definitely do that.”

The winning history of the program is also always on its side.

“Cheerleading is a sport where every single person on the mat is needed to achieve success,” Hayes said. “I think in that way, it takes 100 percent trust to be prosperous and achieve a goal. That in itself is what makes this sport special- it demands complete teamwork, selflessness and belief.”

The Panthers open their competition season with the Braintree Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 19 at Braintree High.

“I think it’s important to remember that the most important part of high school sports will be the experience, the memories, and being able to walk away from it better in some way than when you began,” Hayes said. 

Season Review: Net gains for boys’ tennis

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The boys’ tennis team had 14 new players this season.

With 10 freshmen and a total of 14 new players, there were some growing pains for the Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ tennis team, which finished the season 3-13. But, there was also a ton of progress.

“I definitely would call this season a success due to the growth and depth we were able to gain within the team,” said second-year head coach Alyssa Hayes.

Hayes said learning to work together was the most obvious area of growth.

“We had a good nine guys that would swap in and out in varsity matches which started to teach them to be flexible in doubles, not always knowing which partner they would be playing with,” she said.

Sitting at 1-12 entering the final week of the season, the Panthers flexed that growth with back-to-back wins over Pembroke (4-1) and Spellman (5-0).

“It was definitely a highpoint and included a team trip to DQ (Dairy Queen),” Hayes said.

Junior captain Brian Fox was the Panthers’ lone Patriot League All-Star, after leading the club with five wins while playing against the best the opposition had to offer in No. 1 singles.

“Brian is an all-around leader,” Hayes said. “He takes charge in anything I ask of him. Even without asking, he is the first to communicate with the team, make sure they’re all ready, show up early to practice, he really gets the job done. It is clear Brian is also a mentor to some of the younger players. He is going to lead the team to great things.”

In addition to Fox, there were many other key contributors for W-H this spring.

“We had a lot of new guys which was great because I saw a lot of growth,” Hayes explained. “Cam Lindsay came out for the team as a sophomore and not only grew in his tennis playing but ended up becoming a captain, alongside Brian, for next season. Seniors Griffin Pulkinen and Jared Badger came out for the team as seniors and worked their way into first and second doubles spots.”

It wasn’t just the new guys showing improvements, either.

“[Senior] Matt Hickey, who was on the team for four years, showed insane growth this season moving to second singles,” Hayes said. “He played like a back.”

Hayes said she was surprisingly impressed with the progress of Aidan Hickey, Dan McDevitt and Will Mulligan, and senior Nolan Smith, all of whom fought their way into varsity spots.

Hayes said winning the Patriot League’s Keenan Division sportsmanship award was the highlight of the year for her.

“Wins are nice, of course every coach hopes for them,” she said. “At the end of the day, seeing these talented athletes grow into respectful and graceful young adults surpasses it all.”

Hayes said she hopes to see the kids hit the courts in the offseason.

“My hope is that the players will play summer tennis,” she said. “Keeping consistent play is important.”

Season Preview: Boys’ tennis team grows

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Courtesy photo

The Panthers have 10 freshmen on the roster this season.

Growing the Whitman-Hanson Regional High boys’ tennis team’s numbers was a universal goal heading into last offseason. So far, so good.

This spring, there were 17 kids, 10 of whom were freshmen, that showed up to tryouts and made the team. There were 10 players in total on the roster last season.

“I was so excited [to see the high turnout] because to me that shows we’re building so much in the program,” said second-year head coach Alyssa Hayes, whose team finished 5-12 last season. “All of the returning players really tried to get new players to come and play.”

Hayes credited the summer tennis program run by Sue Moss, an assistant coach on the girls’ team, for the spike in numbers as well.

“I know that also helps the athletes,” Hayes said. “That helps give them a nice place to play tennis and the hope is they return in the spring.”

With such a young roster comes development.

“The 10 of them (freshmen) are new to tennis or have been playing but this is their first time being on a team for tennis,” Hayes explained. “We’re working on the basics like how to serve, how to hit cross court, how to have the best backhand grip and how to score.”

The upperclassmen are also lending a helping hand and benefiting at the same time.

“It has been really nice to see experienced players work with younger players to get everyone improving,” Hayes said. “Even the experienced players improve from working with the younger players because they bring something new to the team as well.”

For the Panthers, improvement is key this season. They return just two starters with the graduation of five key seniors from last spring.

Junior captain Brian Fox developed into a force for W-H last season. He rallied off four straight victories at one point and played a key role in the Panthers’ three-game winning streak to end the campaign. He moves from No. 2 singles to No. 1.

“He’s been holding that strong so far,” Hayes said. “He’s just so positive, so organized, he really brings consistency. He reminds the kids when practice is or he’s always there getting them stretched and started. He’s a good role model.”

A starter in doubles last season, senior Matt Hickey will be the Panthers No. 2 singles player.

“He has truly stepped up and fought his way into second singles,” Hayes said. “I am looking forward to seeing him play in the new position.”

The other spots are really up for grabs right now.

“We’re still competing, but they’re doing awesome,” Hayes said. “They’re going head to head every practice. I do have a few freshmen that are contending for that top-seven spot, too.”

The Panthers begin the season Monday, April 8 at 4 p.m. at home against Sandwich.

“I just want to build some consistency, to build some good routine” Hayes said. “I think for a lot of them, it’s new. I want to see how they do transferring their skills from practice to matches.”

Champions again: Whitman-Hanson cheerleaders win state title 14

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They did it again.

For the fourth straight season, the ninth time in four years and the 14th time overall, the Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleaders are MSAA Division 2 champions.

The Panthers scored a 198.7 to claim the victory today while competing at Worcester State.

“I am so proud of this team,” second-year head coach Alyssa Hayes said. “Their motivation, determination and drive has been unmatched these last few weeks. I am even more impressed with the way they handle themselves – they’ve managed to stay humble regardless of their state championship record. They don’t stop working hard after a win. Today they learned yet again that teamwork and believing in themselves gets the job done.”

The Panthers claimed the South Regional title last week and the Patriot League crown the week before.

Season Preview: Experience, leadership key for W-H cheerleading team

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GIVING A CHEER: Children in kindergarten through grade eight joined the W-H Cheerleading team in a Panther Club Clinic on Friday, Sept. 14, culminating in a chance to cheer for the football team under the Friday Night Lights. / Photo by: Sue Moss

All eyes are zeroed in on state title No. 14.

The Whitman-Hanson Regional High cheerleaders are back on the mats and in full force.

Forty kids turned out to tryouts in late August, enough for first-year head coach Alyssa Hayes, who took over the team on a temporary basis in February, before being named to the position full time in April, to fulfill her goal of forming a junior varsity team.

“This is the first time in a long time that we’ve had a JV team, which coach Keryn Cordo and I are so excited about,” said Hayes, a 2012 W-H graduate. “Having two solid teams again would be ideal.”

Decorated seniors Anna Franklin and Shelby Newcomb captain the varsity team alongside junior Ryley Hurley.

“They, honestly, the three of them are the best of friends, and that’s how they treat the rest of the team,” Hayes said.

The trio doesn’t just guide the team on the mats, but through the halls as well.

“We’ve got a lot of new freshmen and even [on the] first day of school, I saw them walking the freshmen around,” Hayes said. “They’re just going to lead this team 24/7, not just at practice.”

Hayes is expecting the same positive attitudes to push the Panthers forward this fall that did last winter, which culminated in state title No. 13.

“They seem to all really get along and love each other, which is something you usually have to build up to,” Hayes said.

The Panthers have seven returnees from that title winning team. In addition to their three captains, senior Maddy Anderson, junior Kaylee Diehl, and sophomores Olivia McCarthy and Savannah Po- irier are all back.

“I’m so excited,” Hayes said. “I can’t wait to get going. We already have our competition schedules ready, so I can’t wait to get started. I feel like I’ve been waiting for the beginning of the season for a while.”

And, first up on that competition schedule is the Oliver Ames Invitational on Sunday, Oct. 21. Six days later –on Oct. 27 – will be the Braintree Invitational.

“Now it’s just let’s start practicing those skills,” Hayes said. “You get the routine in August, so we’re trying to get some reps in and build up to states in November.”