By: Richard L. Smith
Shabazz High School Cheerleading Mark Tonsul and the Lady Bulldog cheerleaders were named 2022 Super Essex Conference Colonial Division.
The annual "Cheer For The Cure" cheerleading showcase and competition held on Thursday night, Oct. 6, at Bloomfield’s Foley Field.
According to Bloomfield High School Athletic Director Mr. Steve Jenkins, seventeen of the conference’s cheering squads competed in an evening of sheer talent, staunch skill, and athleticism.
Shabazz hasn't competed in a cheer competition since 2011 and returned with a vengeance 11 years later. -Coach Mark
After an 11-year winless drought for the Lady Bulldogs Cheerleaders, Coach Mark basked in glory after officials city-wide expressed an 'early in the season' congratulations for the Newark South Ward team.
“With only four practices within three weeks, these 16 talented young ladies worked tirelessly to make history”, Coach Mark said.
According to Super Essex County Conference officials, the competition winners were Orange High School for “Most Spirited”, Cedar Grove High School for “Best Dance”, Verona High School for “Best Stunts” and the division winners – Nutley in the American Division, West Essex in the Liberty Division and Malcolm X Shabazz in the Colonial Division.
The annual Cheer For A Cure cheerleading exhibition and competition, sponsored by the Super Essex Conference, has donated over $50,000 to charities in and around Essex County.
“Beyond grateful for this experience as a coach, as well as the unmatched support from my cheer family. I am on a high, and I never want to come down from it. It's so hard to be a Bulldog”, Coach Mark concluded.
