Cheer-LEADING at Richland: Eagles take second at opening competition

Despite having several new members, the cheerleaders performed like veterans

Cheerleading Squad celebrates their victory over Somerset Eagles.

The Tyrone Varsity Cheerleading Squad competed at Richland High School on Saturday afternoon at the Richland Cheer Classic. The ladies brought home a second place trophy as well as medals for every cheerleader. Tyrone’s squad competed against the Somerset Eagles and the Bishop McCort Crushers.

Many of the girls had never competed in cheerleading before, which made the second place finish even more satisfying.

It was challenging because Haylee had never done any of the the stunts we were doing before. She had to learn everything from scratch. It was amazing to see how quickly she perfected everything. I couldn’t be prouder of her

— Senior Skylar Rudasill

“I felt really excited. I was confident with myself and the girls. I was just happy to be competing with them, no matter what happened” said Freshman Cheerleader Haylee Blowers.

Throughout the past month, the ladies overcame many obstacles. With two new groups and higher level stunts, practices were mainly focused on perfecting the mounts.

Just a month before the competition, the team brought JV cheerleader Haylee Blowers up to the competition squad.   

“It was challenging because Haylee had never done any of the the stunts we were doing before. She had to learn everything from scratch. It was amazing to see how quickly she perfected everything. I couldn’t be prouder of her” said Senior Cheerleader Skylar Rudasill.

The routine consisted of triple jumps, standing and running tumbling, individual stunting, dances, a cheer, and  pyramid.

Tumbling is a new feature in the routines for Tyrone’s squad. The team has recently attained six more tumblers in the past year. Their stunts difficulty has also increased in the last year. So far this season, their routine incorporated half-up libs, arabesques, flips and switch ups. Many are excited to see how they progress throughout the season.

The ladies main goals were to hit everything and to have fun.

This competition definitely gave them the confidence they need as we head into Districts next month

— Head Coach Kera Patton

“We did amazing. I felt like we were finally working as a team and supporting one another as a family. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome” said Senior Captain Harley Walters.

The coaches were overjoyed by the team’s success.

“Seeing the look of satisfaction and joy on their faces when they finished is why we do this. We know they can do it, but when they know they can do it is when we know we’ve done our job” said Head Coach Kera Patton.

The team looks forward to their upcoming competitions.

“This competition definitely gave them the confidence they need as we head into Districts next month” said Patton.
Districts will be held at the Tyrone High School gym on December 12th.