News Details (Posted: January 22, 2010):

RSM City Council Honors Pop Warner Teams

Contact Information:

Carrie Miller
949-455-4600

Full Description:

Two Santa Margarita Pop Warner football teams and their two cheer squads recently enjoyed the experience of a lifetime – playing in the National Championships/Super Bowl.   On January 13 the Rancho Santa Margarita City Council recognized the following teams for outstanding sportsmanship and commitment:

Santa Margarita Pop Warner Midget Mustangs

Santa Margarita Pop Warner Midget Mustangs Cheer Squad

Santa Margarita Pop Warner Challenger Quakes

Santa Margarita Pop Warner Challenger Quakes Cheer Squad

Sixty-four teams from across the country gathered in Florida in mid-December to compete in the biggest game of the year – the Pop Warner Super Bowl.  To add to the excitement, the games were played at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

Santa Margarita Pop Warner Midget Mustangs

The Santa Margarita Pop Warner Midget Mustangs began their path to the National Championships by winning their League Division with an 8-0 record. The Mustangs triumphed in the Orange Empire Conference Championship, as well as the Western Regional Championships.  With a flawless record of 12-0, the Mustangs earned the honor of traveling to Orlando, Florida to participate in the Pop Warner National Championships/Super Bowl.

The Mustangs faced the New Haven Steelers from Connecticut in their first game, losing a defensive battle by a score of 6-0.   In their second game they were victorious over the Bedford Saints of Ohio, by a score of 22-19.

In recognition of the good character, ethical behavior, respect and proper attitude displayed during the National Championships, the Mustangs received the Pop Warner Sportsmanship Award. 

Santa Margarita Pop Warner Midget Mustangs Cheer Squad

The Santa Margarita Pop Warner Midget Mustangs Cheer Squad also had an exciting season that resulted in participation at the National Championship.  The girls placed first in the Orange County/Los Angeles County Championship League and placed second in the Regional Championships, which earned them an invitation to perform at the Pop Warner National Championship at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Orlando. 

Through hard work and commitment, the Mustangs Cheer Squad finished their successful season by placing seventh in the country for their division. 

Santa Margarita Pop Warner Challenger Quakes

Santa Margarita Pop Warner Challenger Quakes Cheer Squad

Also participating in the Pop Warner National Championships Challenger Exhibition Games were the Santa Margarita Pop Warner Challenger Quakes and the Challenger Quakes Cheer Squad.  The mission of the Challenger Division is to bring the Pop Warner experience to individuals with special needs. 

Both teams displayed great determination and athletic ability as they represented the City of Rancho Santa Margarita and the disabled community. The Challenger Quakes played against five different Challenger teams from various part of the country, and the Challenger Quakes Cheer Squad competed against teams from Orlando, Long Island and New Jersey.

“I am very proud of the teamwork and discipline displayed by these athletes,” shared Jerry Holloway, Mayor for the City of Rancho Santa Margarita.  “Playing sports and being involved in a team provide valuable life lessons for youth.”

For more information about City Council meetings and City events, please visit the City’s Web site at www.cityofrsm.org.