(Original publication: November 29, 2007)
New Rochelle was the big winner in the finale of the 59th annual Westchester County Cheerleading Invitational. After placing first in their small varsity division on Monday, the Huguenots came back last night at Westchester County Center to perform their two-minute routine for a panel of judges and earn the title of Grand Champion.

"It feels great. We worked so hard and the hard work paid off," New Rochelle senior Teirra Jenkins said. "We knew we hit our routine, we just had to wait to see what would happen."

New Rochelle was the first to perform of the five teams that qualified for the Grand Champions competition. Ketcham, Yorktown, Hen Hud and finally North Rockland, the two-time defending champs in the event, went last. Thirty-six varsity teams started the event at the beginning of the week.

"It's crazy," New Rochelle sophomore Eric Ortiz said. "The fans are going wild and it gets your adrenaline pumping."

All five teams earned a spot in the final competition by virtue of winning their small or large varsity divisions (large being defined by 20 or more members on a team as of its entry) on either Monday, Tuesday, or in North Rockland's case, last night.

"These are the first-place teams from every night, so if you make one mistake, you're done," North Rockland coach Gina Tedesco said. "Unfortunately, we made a mistake. The girls are upset, but there's nothing to be ashamed of."