It’s time to cheer for the cheerleaders. Last Sunday, the Gloucester Cheering team competed in the fall 2016 Massachusetts State Championship, taking the home the second place title.

“This season was really hopeful for us,” said senior captain Grace Brancaleone. “We placed second even though we were not even projected to place top three, and that in itself is a huge accomplishment for us.”

The team has competed for their high ranked spots for years. In 2013, the team came in second during the winter State Championship and fourth in 2014.

“We have improved a lot,” said senior captain Lexi McRobb.   

In the 2015 fall State Championship, the Fishermen brought home third place, falling to Burlington in second place and Dracut with the win.

This left the team with a hunger to win the trophy in the next season.

“We wanted to win the fall 2016 State Championship, but Dracut competed better than us,” said Brancaleone. “But with the winter season coming we can only improve and take the State title home in March.”

With no JV team and 5 graduating seniors, many of which have been on the varsity team since freshman year, next year’s cheerleaders have big shoes to fill.