The mission of Pop Warner Little Scholars is to enable young people to benefit from participation in team sports and activities in a safe and structured environment. Through this active participation, Pop Warner programs teach fundamental values, skills and knowledge that young people will use throughout their lives.”- ww.popwarner.com.

That pretty much explains what Kristin Ciarlone has done for the last 15 years of her life. Starting August 1, 1991, kicking and screaming, she walked down to the Glendale Park to become an Everett Huskies cheerleader, and to begin the most amazing journey of her life. In 1993, under the coaching of Stephanie Cirello, she was part of a team that attended Everett’s first (but not last) National Pop Warner finals, in Santa Clara, California. They took 4th place. She stopped being a participant in 1997, only after going to Nationals again, in 1996, placing 5th. Through these years of being part of this organization, Kristin learned a lot about working hard, setting a goal, and making memories.

In 1998, Kristin began helping coach. Her number one goal was not to win, but to pass along the memories and great experiences she gained from her own years of being a Huskie cheerleader. She did just that, and along with those memories in the next three years, Kristin took her teams to Nationals 2 times, grabbing a First place national title in 2000. Then, in 2001 her life changed. She was a very happy, active, healthy, normal teenage girl, who lived for her girls she coached.

One day she woke up, and suddenly her jaw was locked shut. In a desperate panic, she set up an appointment within the next few days to figure out what was going on. She went to an Oral surgeon to have x-rays taken of her jaw. Within 5 minutes of the pictures being taken, she was sent to an ear nose and throat doctor to pay special attention to an “over sized tumor” growing in her neck. To make a long story short, months and months of doctors visits resulted in a surgical biopsy. Jan 24, 2002, “Kristin you have Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.” Instant tears rolled down her face.

With her mother in confusion, She said, “What does that mean? Why are you crying?” Kristin blurting out, “Mom I have cancer.”

Kristin was diagnose with stage four cancer, and underwent 9 months of intense day to day chemo and two types of radiation. This type of intense therapy saved her life, but also took a lot away from her* Since the beginning of this process Kristin had had 15 surgeries, and continues to deal with hearing loss, limited jaw mobility, and has a hard time speaking.

During her treatments, she sat in her hospital room, and planned the next year’s routine. Daily she would receive letters, cards, and small gifts from all members in the organization. She was very blessed to have them in her life. She stated, “These girls helped to keep me alive. Something as small as their love and hope, kept me going.”

Kristin was faced with another health issue in 2005, when she was diagnosed with a bone disease that was eating away at her jaw. In June 2005, Kristin was flown to NYC and was admitted into the hospital for 18 days. She had a surgery where they replaced her jaw, with her shoulder. It was an 18 hours surgery, and had a scare in the ICU, with a mild heart attack. All before her life even started. With this surgery, she was told there was no way she would be able to coach cheerleading that year. Anyone who knows Kristin knows that this broke her heart. She almost gave up her team, but was encouraged by her girls, that she had to come back, and they wouldn’t cheer for anyone else.

When she got home in early July, she began planning her routine. She was told she would never be able to move her arm past her chest level, ever! Unsure of her physical ability to be able to coach, she had to fight for it. Needless to say, by August first Kristin had put in countless hours of extra therapy to make sure she was down the park and ready to coach her team. First night of practice, she had the girls sit down in silence; as she stood in front of them. She lifted her arms in a “high v” to show her girls that she would do anything to be with them that year. Instant tears, and cheers came from her eyes along with her girls, parents, as well.

“That was one of the most emotional experiences I have ever experienced. To know that I went beyond what doctors said I wouldn’t do in a life time, in just 1 month. I did it for these girls, who never gave up on me. I would never have given up on them.” -Kristin

Since this experience, she has taken her teams to Nationals 5 times as a coach, with another National title in 2004, and 1 time as a coordinator, which she became last season. She still struggles with many healthy issues, but is 8 years cancer free, and is just as passionate about Pop Warner as she has ever been. She is looking forward to being there again this year; with her focus on making the girls have the experience of their lives.

“Everyone wants to win, of course. But my main focus is to have these girls walk away with memories of that they will never forget. I have coached girls who have had many siblings in the family run through my teams, and it makes me happy to help them get the same memories their sister’s have had. I have girls who still come up to me, from years ago, and saying ‘I miss those Huskies days. They were the best times of my life.’ It makes me so happy to see my old girls coaching their own teams, and carrying on the memories I helped provide for them. I am very proud to be a Huskie. This is my life.”

Kristin always has a smile on her face. Bubbly and a bounce in her step no matter the situation. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to know Kristin and tell her story.

Brenda Marchant Cheer coordinator 1998 to 2002
Bill Marchant President 1999 to 2005

“My friend, Kristin, is a wonderful person and a joy to know. She has beaten the odds, and all those who know her are forever grateful. She has always held her head high, and never let her health get in the way of what her/teams needed to accomplish. This included her college degree, 2009 Pop Warner National Coach of the year, and her 2 National titles. I will always cherish her and her family.” Cheryl Bellante. Team mom 2004-2008 & Present EHA board member.
“Kristin taught me to never give up on anything, especially something that you love. Everyone has their own personal problems, but Huskies is the place where you just get away from all that and do what you love. She has helped me realize that the most.” - Carly Iascone- Present Huskies A team cheerleader.

“My beautiful, and talented, niece Kristin is by far the strongest person I know. She has had to endure more in her short life than most will ever know, and she has done it with dignity and grace. Her heart is so full of love that it overflows to every girl she has ever coached. She always has time for present and previous girls. Whenever they need her, she is there with no questioned asked. After watching her coach so many girls over the years she finally has had the chance to coach my daughter , it has been a wonderful experience for all of us. My daughter is always so proud to tell everyone, “HEY THATS MY COUSIN,” with such pride in her voice. As a coach, niece, and cousin we could not have asked for better.. We love her so much and are so thankful to have her with us.“ - Cathy Calderone, Aunt and Present A team Parent.

“My daughter Kristin is a loving and caring member of The Huskies Pop Warner organization. She has done countless things for the girls over the years. As a coach/director, she always puts herself last, even her health, the girls are always first. She is the first to provide kids with what they need, rides, lends money, practice uniforms, babysit, even opened up her home in the past. Whatever these girls need, Kristin is there to lend a hand. She always goes a step future than most, when it comes to the Huskies. During this season, Kristin came up with a T-shirt slogan, “Once a Huskie, Always a Huskie.” That’s Kristin!” - Marianne Ciarlone, Mom and #1 supporter.

“I have never known a more dedicated person to a volunteer position, or a cause not their own. She literally bleeds red and white. When life threw her nothing but pain and disease, she fought back. Never once will you hear, ‘poor me.’ She puts her girls before everything in her life, and I do mean EVERYTHING . But that’s what I admire most about her, her dedication to the youth of her city.”- Greg Fulton, Kristin’s Fiancé.

“Kristin was one of the biggest influences on my early teenage years and is still contributing to my success today. No matter what time of day it is she always has a smile on her face that can brighten the mood in any room. She has taught me to never give up on anything and not to let anything bring you down. She has made me realize what is most important in life without really knowing it, through her strength and positive attitude towards everything, even if it is not easiest thing to deal with. Kristin has helped me grow both emotionally, and socially, throughout my teenage years and I honestly don't think I would be the person I was today if I hadn't met her.“ - Krystina Hogan – Former EHA cheerleader – Present B team Assist coach

History was made yesterday!!!  

The New Jersey Shore Conference from the Eastern Region captured their 100th National Title. The Freehold Giants began the journey in 1992 when the first Jersey Shore title was won in California. The 100 National titles represents football, cheer and dance.

The actual 100th title was won by the Pee Wee dance team, Monmouth Falcons. But number 101 and 102 were also achieved by the Jr. Midget and Midget Monmouth Falcons dance teams.

The New Jersey Shore Cheer and Dance commissioner Cathy Fuller couldn't be more ecstatic!!!  82 of the titles were achieved during her reign as commissioner. "It has been a successful journey for the Conference," said Fuller. "We have all worked very hard."

This year our focus was Friendship, Fun and Skill. Sunday football games were used to promote unity amongst the entire conference. All teams learned the same halftime dance and performed together at the games. We also stunted together, building a 'Wall of friendship'". 

Congratulations to The New Jersey Shore on their accomplishment.

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Today is Dance Day!!!  And it proved to be just as exciting as the previous days, again with many new faces on the order of performance.

Dance continues to grow in popularity.  Costuming and creative choreography keep the spectators on the edge of their seat, waiting to see what the next performance will bring to the stage. 

Many different themes and styles this year;  Beauty and the Beast, Footloose, and Sunshine, just to name a few.

For the first time since the inception of dance in Pop Warner, all four National titles were awarded to the same region.  The Eastern Region swept the dance division. 

For the First time in Dance history, three National titles were awarded to the same association.  The Monmouth Falcons captured the Pee Wee, Jr. Midget, and Midget Dance Division.  The New Egypt Warriors were the Pee Wee Champion.

Click Here for the Complete List of Results+

We all know why you are here at the 2011 Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championship....To watch and cheer on your favorite cheer or dance team!  But that time in between performances can tend to become stagnant
and flat. 

So to entertain your every second here at the National Event, Pop Warner has a Spirit Promotions Team.  This team is made up of one representative from every region. 

During the off season they update Popwarner.com with stories about their region, but starting January 1 of this year, their focus was on how to promote spirit and allow the flow of the competition to be smooth, fun, and EXCITING!! Team Interviews, Crowd interactive games, DJ Dancers and Fashion Shows are all coordinated using cheer and dance teams that perform that day.  The Promotions team prepares a "script" of the event so that every minute of the 10 hour day is choreographed.

Cathy Fuller, from the Eastern Region, is the Team Leader.  Cathy works closely with Lisa Moroski, our National Cheer and Dance Coordinator to bring ideas from all eight regions together.  Cathy is the reporter
outside of the Field House and greets every team with a warm welcome smile and infectious personality.

Barry Moody, from the Mid South Region, and Linda Atkins, from Mid America, are the game organizers.  They find those parents in the crowd that keep you laughing throughout the intermission.   Some games include
father/daughter cookie toss, megaphone/football toss, and new this year, Let's Make a Deal.

Elizabeth Jackson, from the Southwest Region, is our behind the scenes miracle worker.  She works closely with the SE Video to ensure that every team is videotaped and that the promotional videos are in the correct
place, and that all interviews are timed perfectly.

Ginger Perrilo, from New England Region, is our Fashionista!  She works with the Pop Warner Partner, Team Cheer, put on at least one fashion show
per day, the models being teams that have performer earlier that day.

Amy Leon, from the Wescon Region, Greets the Head Coach in Book check to give a personal invitation to the teams chosen to do interviews, fashion
show and DJ Dancing.

and Kelly Wilson, from the Southeast Region, coordinates the DJ dancers on breaks and also posts to the Cheer Chatter Blog.

And finally, Tiana Vines, from the Pacific Northwest Region, was unable to be with us this week but has been a vital part of the planning all year.
She is home is California sending her Spirit your way!

The promotions team hope that your entire experience at the National Championships is a magical one!!!

Not too often does a cheer squad and football team from the same association and same level make it to the National Championship.  Well, it happened this year....

For the LCC Charging Mavericks, both the Jr. Pee Wee Cheer team as well as their Jr. Pee Wee Football team participated in the 2011 Pop Warner National Championship.

The cheer squad competed on Monday, proudly representing the Wescon region.  The football team won their first game on Saturday, allowing them the opportunity to advance to the Division II Semi-Finals that plays today.

The Charging Mavericks cheer squad is coached by Nancy Bonano.  This is the team's first year competing at the National Event, and it is the first time LCC Charging Mavericks has had both a cheer team and football team competing at the same time in the National Championship.

Good Morning!!  Today is the official start for the 2011 Pop Warner National Cheer and Dance Championships.  With the actual competitions starting tomorrow, today practice time for the Jr. Pee Wee Cheer teams.  As a former coach of National Championship teams, this is probably my favorite day!!!  For many Jr. Pee Wee teams, this is their first visit to Nationals, and most likely their first visit to Disney.  The looks on their precious faces is absolutely priceless.  Their eyes wide open in awe and their excitement is not easily contained. 

For the Almaden Mustangs, from the Pacific Northwest it has been an awesome season.  Placing second at their Regional Event, the team from San Jose California is coached by first year head coach, Jen.  For Jen who has never been further east than Missouri, it has been an amazing year.  “We have never sent a team to Nationals before.  All 10 ten girls have never cheered at the competitive level before.  We were the underdog, and we pulled through”  For daughter Mackenzie, her favorite part of the Florida experience thus far has been “The Pool”.  And the best part of Mankenzie’s season, “Just making it here!”

For the Southlake Devils from the Mid America region, it has been six years since a Jr. Pee Wee squad from their association has advanced to the National Event.  Holly Carter, second year head coach for the team is very proud of her team and the progress they have made.  There are 22 girls on the squad, and 15 of them have never been to Disney.  “We went to Disney World this morning.” Says daughter Brylee.  Brylee’s favorite part of cheerleading, “the stunting”. 

There are many new faces this year at the National Event.  All so very excited just for the opportunity to have made it here.  Tune in tomorrow to see how they all do!!

We will start off our week long, heart warming stories with the Southeast Region. 

Dedicated, caring, positive influence, leads by example, motivator, believer, and encourager; These are just a few of the words used by parents and cheerleaders to describe Cheryl Thinnes. 

This is why the Venice Vikings, from the Peace River Conference, nominated Cheryl for Southeast Region Coach of the Year.  Cheryl has been with the Venice Vikings for eleven years.  She has coached as young a Mighty Mites through the Midget levels.  She has also been the Cheer Coordinator for the past four years. 

Her coaching experience and dedication to the program has paid off for the Venice Vikings.  Venice has had five Peace River Conference champions, two Southeast Region Champions and top five placements at the National Championships. 

Last year, Cheryl was faced with a new challenge.  Her 15 year old daughter, Sydney, was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia.  Aplastic Anemia is a blood disorder in which the body’s bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells. 

Sydney and Cheryl continue to spend many hours, nights and weeks at the hospital fighting this disease.  Throughout all of this time, Cheryl is still able to balance it all.  This past summer, Sydney had a bone marrow transplant and Cheryl is now on a mission to help others become aware of Aplastic Anemia.  She has organized three successful blood drives throughout the Suncoast Community Blood Bank.

When Sydney is asked how she feels about her om coaching, she proudly responds, “She has taught me never to give up, no matter what happens, give it your all, and most importantly, have fun.”

The Highlands Midget Intermediate Small Spirit team who is participating in the 2011National Cheer & Dance Championships went out to the football field today to cheer on their Peewee Division 1 football team, “Highland Colts”.  Most of the spirit leaders have attended the National Cheer & Dance Championships before however this was the very first time they’ve had the privilege in cheering at a National Football game.

Although they are very excited about participating in the National Cheer & Dance Championships on Friday, they were extremely excited about being able to cheer on the sidelines in support of their sister team who was not able to travel with their football team. 

The Association provided opportunities for each of the participants to fundraise to attend the National Championship which most of them took advantage of as it is a very long journey for them coming all the way from Honolulu, Hawai’i.

Some of the traditions they would typically do during game time and a favorite is making a banner for the football team to run through at the start of the game.

When asked how it felt cheering at a National Football game, they said, “it felt the same but especially liked the experience of seeing all of the many different football games going on at the same time.  They’ve really enjoyed this experience!”

One of their favorite cheers in motivating their football teams is: “Colt fans get on your feet and shake, shake, shake to the beat”…… 

Some traditions are when their football team scores a touchdown, they do double toe touches….And especially love to stunt.

Head Coach, Hazel Balisacan said that this is her fourth year as a head coach and has had the greatest experiences here at the National Championship with her teams.  One of which are the friendships that they’ve all made throughout the years here in Disney World!