Another Successful Karen Centinaro Memorial Cheer for the Cure, was held at Foley Field, on Oct. 8

The annual Cheer For The Cure cheerleading competition was once again held at Foley Field. And, once again, the results were impressive.

Held on a beautiful evening, on Oct. 8, the event, now known as the Karen Centinaro Memorial Cheer for the Cure, in honor of the late Karen Centinaro, welcomed a number of Super Essex Conference (SEC) high school cheerleaders.

Centinaro, a long time administrator in the Bloomfield High athletic department, passed away on March 28, 2023. She was a devoted follower of the Cheer For The Cure, and appropriately, the event took on her name, beginning last year.

Bloomfield High athletic director Steve Jenkins was pleased with the 2024 event.

"Year 17 of the Karen Centinaro Memorial Cheer for the Cure was one of transition," said Jenkins. "We introduced new divisional alignments and scoring rubrics.
These changes were primarily a response to the overall improved performances of teams in Essex County and Coaches input. We continue to be a work in progress, but this scoring system, which is used statewide, would appear to be the way to go moving forward. If we continue to have a disproportionate distribution of teams in certain divisions we will contemplate tweaking that."

The coaches and student-athletes turned in a good effort.

"Thanks to all the teams that participated- the responsiveness of all Coaches was tremendous," said Jenkins. "Thanks to this cooperation, running the event was not difficult. I completely understand the competitive nature of the CFTC, but I implore you to recognize the impact you make through raising funds for the V Foundation, the Community Food Bank of NJ and other deserving, local charities.

"No other competition in Essex County has the collegiality and sportsmanship that this does."

While it is a competition, seeing the cheerleaders supporting one another, was great to see.

"All teams are up on the line supporting each other- regardless of competition level or demographic," said Jenkins. "It is an inspiring sight to see our kids interacting and enjoying each other's company.

"Thanks to the athletic directors who attended. It always gives us a great sense of security having colleagues there."

Jenkins felt this was the best competition, ever.

"The performances of our teams rise each year," said Jenkins. "This year was, in my opinion, the best ever in terms of competitiveness.

"Congratulations to this year's champions."

Belleville High won the Super Essex Conference's Colonial Division title while Caldwell captured the Liberty and Nutley, the American Division title. Best Dance went to Montclair Kimberley, Best Stunting to Verona High School, and Most Spirited, to Orange High.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net