From pumping up the crowd at a Friday Night football game to tumbling and wowing us with their incredible stunts, the cheerleaders have always been a huge crowd pleaser for everyone.

The squad has been working vigorously this year to overcome the difficulties of being a brand new team. With a new coach, new year, and having half the team as first time cheerleaders, there is no telling what’s to expect of them this season.

“The biggest challenge I have faced so far is getting the girls to feel equal with each other and to try to remove some of the drama that comes with so many teenage girls together,” said Kera Walk, the new Tyrone Varsity Cheerleading coach referring to the challenges that the cheerleading squad has faced so far this season.

Although the squad is made up of mostly newcomers, 6 of the 8 being freshman, returning cheerleaders are excited to start off fresh and new.

Fall captain Olivia Dickson said, “the new cheerleaders have really stepped up this year and are matching the more experienced ones step for step. I’m very impressed by how well they are working and I can’t wait to see what’s to come for the upcoming season.”

Many of these girls have been cheering for years now; some since they were as young as 5 years old. “Although this is my first year of varsity, I have been cheering for a long time. I believe if we continue working as we are, we will go far. It’ll be the best it’s been in a while,” said Junior High cheerleader Hailey Durbin.

“My expectations for the team are just for them to continue to improve over the course of a year. They have already grown so much and I enjoy watching each milestone,”  said Kera Walk, the new coach for the Tyrone Cheerleaders, explains the effort and improvement all of the girls have showed and attained in the last few months. Kera has cheered all throughout High School, but this will be her first year as a coach. “I have learned a lot from the girls and the whole experience. I enjoy working with them and I get a sense of pride.”

This year, the team is expected to compete in numerous competitions such as the Mountain League Tournament held in Altoona late winter, and as of last Tuesday’s board meeting, are now eligible for PIAA competitions.

“It gives a whole new dimension on the team,” said freshman cheerleader Azia Barnett about the new eligibility rule.

Because of this board meeting, Tyrone Varsity Cheerleading is now officially reflected as a Tyrone PIAA sport.