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Norwalk-Based Cheer Team Jumps Into New Season

NORWALK, Conn. – Norwalk-based Xtreme Cheer heads into a new season of competition with its largest squad yet, including 10 teams and more than 150 members.

A team from Norwalk-based Xtreme Cheer practices in preparation for the upcoming season.

A team from Norwalk-based Xtreme Cheer practices in preparation for the upcoming season.

Photo Credit: Contributed by Xtreme Cheer
An Xtreme Cheer team performs at a competition last year.

An Xtreme Cheer team performs at a competition last year.

Photo Credit: Contributed by Xtreme Cheer
Xtreme Cheer co-owner Mike Talbot holds a young gymnast aloft.

Xtreme Cheer co-owner Mike Talbot holds a young gymnast aloft.

Photo Credit: Contributed by Xtreme Cheer
Young girls on an Xtreme Cheer team show a trophy they won at a competition last year.

Young girls on an Xtreme Cheer team show a trophy they won at a competition last year.

Photo Credit: Contributed by Xtreme Cheer
Fans and friends support Xtreme Cheer teams at a meet last year.

Fans and friends support Xtreme Cheer teams at a meet last year.

Photo Credit: Contributed by Xtreme Cheer

“We’re proud of our growth and excited to be heading to our first big competition this year,’’ said co-owner Dana Talbot, whose team heads to the Beast of the East Winter Nationals this weekend in Atlantic City, N.J.

Xtreme opened a second gym last year in Hopewell Junction, N.Y., and added three teams. The Norwalk facility includes members from 11 high schools in Fairfield and New Haven counties, and Westchester County of New York.

"Since we’re growing, we’re looking in Connecticut for more space in another new facility,’’ Talbot said. “The program has really taken off.”

Xtreme’s International Open Coed Level 5 team, for athletes ages 15 and up, earned an invitation to compete in the world championships in its first year in 2012. Co-owner Mike Talbot is a member of the squad. “We’re hoping, with experience, we’ll be even better than last year,’’ Dana Talbot said.

Xtreme’s co-ed team of 18-and-under performers also won first place at the U.S. Spirit National Cheerleading competition last year.

The team includes squads for performers ages 5 and up. Both Talbots were former collegiate athletes, and their team has drawn interest from the TV show "America’s Got Talent" as a potential guest on the program.

“We’ve come a long way the past few years,’’ Dana Talbot said. “Our growth has been encouraging, and we’re looking forward to getting a chance to compete at the national competitions again this year.”

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