Commack Elite Shines in National Spotlight

The Commack Elite youth league has certainly lived up to its name, taking the cheerleading world by storm on both a local and national level by earning an undefeated record in all of their six seasons and snagging several national titles.

In February, the league's senior and junior teams were invited to compete in the 2011 National High School Cheerleading Championship at Disney World. The teams placed third and fourth—no small feat for any squad, let alone newcomers. 

Many teams return to nationals year after year hoping to place; Commack Elite achieved it their first trip.

“We were thrilled for third and fourth in the nation," said Coach Ashley Kuhn. "Only the best of the best can go—no other team [on Long Island] has gone that far in cheerleading. We were proud to represent Commack and Long Island in the competition."

And if you think it takes an iron-fist approach to coaching coach to maintain such a remarkable record—á la Glee's Sue Sylvester—think again.

The teams practice twice a week, for a total of three hours. And while they certainly work hard in practice, sweat can only get you so far. Kuhn, who shares coaching duties with Gina Salkind, Mat Imbasciani and Commack High School Varsity cheerleader Courtney Salkind, attributes the league's success to their close bond with one another above all else.

“Its not just coaching, we’re a family,” she said. "We have become such an amazing family. Its overwhelming the way we all work together. You don’t get that in a lot of teams.”

Spanning ages 6 to 14, the league offers the chance for younger girls to cheer in a competitive environment years before they enter high school. The 6 to 8-year-old team, known as the Pee Wees, are mentored by Salkind, a current Varsity Cougarette. "She has really taken this team above and beyond to a whole new level," said Kuhn of Salkind's coaching.

In the older levels, the junior and senior teams, known as the "divas" and the "stars" respectively, girls hone their competition chops and form close bonds to their fellow cheerleaders.

"They really push themselves, we have amazing girls with amazing talent," said Kuhn.

Now, hot off the heels of two national titles and another undefeated season, the league is winding down for a short break. But rest assured, when spring breathes new life into the air, Commack Elite will be back, stronger than ever, representing the spirit of Commack.

To view a video of the teams in action at Nationals in Disney, click here and search "Commack."