The Tyrone cheer season is off to a fresh start this year with new head coach Hannah Kessling, alongside assistant coach Mercedes Miller, who cheered for Tyrone as a student just a few years ago.
Kessling cheered for seven years and has several years of coaching under her belt before coming to Tyrone.
“I hope to restore teamwork and commitment while rebuilding respect for the program. My goal is to encourage teamwork, boost school spirit, and strengthen respect for our program,” Kessling said.
So far, the team has been welcoming and open to new ideas.
“The team seems to really like her; she’s strict, but in a way that the team needed. Her main priority is making sure we look our best, no matter what it takes to achieve that,” cheer captain Addison Warren said.
Kessling said that she would like to bring the competition season back this year, something many of the cheerleaders would also like to do.
“I’d love for us to compete at multiple competitions every year while still bringing energy and spirit to every school event we attend,” Kessling said. “We have three competitions scheduled already. One in Pittsburgh, Altoona, and Sidman.”
The team has been preparing since July. The girls attended an at-home camp with UCA where they learned new material, including a dance, cheer, chant, and some new stunts.
“Watching from the sidelines, it’s clear that the remaining girls from last year used a bad experience and turned it into something beautiful,” former cheer mom Samantha Barnes said.
This year’s senior cheer captains are Addison Warren, Braylinne Shaw, and Sarah Weakland. Followed by remaining seniors, Reilly Rawlings, Lydia Meredith, Hailey Shultz, and Miley Fink.
Juniors are Angel Bertram and Gabbreella Dean, followed by sophomore Madison Kobak and freshman Meghan Bertram, and Brystlee Shaw.
Kessling wants her team to focus on positive growth and personal relationships this year.
“My advice to the girls is to know that growth comes from giving your best at every practice and performance. Strength and confidence are built through hard work, while teamwork thrives on trust and kindness,” Kessling said. “Cheerleading isn’t only about winning trophies–it’s about learning, leading, and creating lasting bonds.”
