Due to a lack of numbers, last year’s cheer competition season never got off the ground. But this season, under new head coaches Jessica Anderson and Amy Fleck the competition squad is back with 13 members and high hopes for success.

Practices are already underway and their routine is complete. Now it’s time to polish and perfect it to make the team competition ready. 

“We look to get the first place while not being the only team in our division,” said Captian Arian Hicks. “This squad has way too much potential, and I know we will accomplish our goals if we try.”

The season began on September 26 with a five-hour practice that resulted in finished choreography, stunt, and cheer sequences.

Although the squad is positive, the competition will be tough due to the addition of new member Paul Rhodes. Having a male on the team moves the squad into the co-ed division, which is generally much more competitive than the female-only division.

“Now that we have to go up against co-ed squads, the difficulty increases,” said Hicks.

Most co-ed squads have multiple guys on their team, so having just one on the Tyrone squad is a challenge. Low numbers is just another obstacle that they look to overcome with performance. They have been working hard and learning new skills that are impressive and striking.

Another problem they are facing currently is an injury to one of their primary flyers, Gracey Walk. With an injured back, it is uncertain if Walk can continue the season.

Injuries are nothing new to the Tyrone competition squad, and one injured person can jeopardize many aspects of the routine. When one person can’t participate, it stops the squad from improving. Every person has a part in the routine, so without them, it can’t be performed and everything gets thrown off.

The competition squad has four main competitions this year. Their first, districts, arguably the hardest competition they participate in. After districts, they have three more after the start of the new year.

All in all, this competition season is going to be one for the books. Stay tuned!

The competitions dates are:

December 15th – Altoona (Districts)

January 6th – Milton

February 2nd – Bald Eagle (Mountain League)

February 24th – State College

The competition team members are:

Jayde LaRosa (Captain)

Arian Hicks (Captain)

Olivia Watson

Aubree Moore

Lauren Ross

Kaitlyn Plummer

Grace LeGars

Winnie Grot

Gracey Walk

Lyndsey Fleck

Skye Kropp

Paul Rhodes

Gracie Ball