Last season the Tyrone Cheerleading competition squad overcame a number of obstacles and made history along the way. The team overcame the challenges of injuries and ineligible athletes to become the first Tyrone Cheerleading squad to make it to the PIAA State Cheer Competition in Hershey.

This season the girls hope to build on their successes from last year and make a return trip to states.  But with a much younger squad than last season, the early focus will be on learning and gaining experience. 

The girls will kickoff their fifth year of competition at the Altoona High School Fieldhouse on Sunday, November 6th at 1:00 PM. The competition is sponsored by Blair Respiratory. Admission is $7.00 for adults and under 12 is $5.00.

Tickets are available prior to the competition from TAHS Cheerleader Booster Club Member Billie Jo Friday or senior Cheerleader Cassie Friday.

“This first competition will definitely be a learning experience for the team. For all of our returning cheerleaders, we have just as many newbies. So this season we will have to focus on building the team and preparing them for the future,” said varsity captain Cassie Friday. 

The girls will be continuing in medium varsity for this year as well.

The competition squad consists of seniors Azia Barnett, Cassie Friday, Taylor Dixon, Chloe Case,  Makenzie Stauffer, and Makayla Ritchey, junior Laura Gunter, sophomores Haylee Blowers, Mya Romano, Paige Hunter, Jayde LaRosa, Arian Hicks, Ava Focht, and Aubree Moore, and freshman Winnie Grot and Lauren Ross.

“I think this first competition will show our strong and weak points and prepare us better for the next one,” said senior Makenzie Stauffer.

The team has been practicing since August working diligently on their routine, and especially their stunts.

The girls are satisfied with their improvement on their level of difficulty and capability with stunts since the previous year.

“Don’t forget to help support the THS cheerleaders,” said sophomore cheerleader Haylee Blowers.