The Tyrone Varsity Cheer Squad took to the mat at the Tyrone High School Gym on Saturday for the District 6 Cheer Championships. The ladies took second out of the five teams in their division and ninth place overall.

Competing in their first district championships, the Lady Eagles were only two places away from moving on to states.

The following schools were named champions in their respective divisions and qualified for the State Competitive Cheer Championships in Hershey at the end of Januay:

• Small Varsity Champion-Greater Johnstown High School
• Medium Varsity Champion-Bishop McCort High School
• Large Varsity Champion-Richland High School
• Co-Ed Varsity Champion-United High School

Additional State Qualifiers:

• Bishop Guilfoyle High School
• Philipsburg Osceola High School
• Saltsburg High School

The PIAA State Competitive Cheer Championships will be held January 22-23, 2016  at the Giant Center in Hershey.

Depsite missing out on states, the Lady Eagles and their coaches were very satisfied with their performance.

“As a coach I couldn’t be prouder of these girls and their heart and perseverance,” said head coach Kera Patton.

This was also the first time that the District Championships have been held at Tyrone High School.

“Competing at our own gym was an amazing experience. I’m so glad I got to experience it my senior year” said senior co-captain Kendra Walker.

Despite some setbacks the week leading up to the competition, the ladies cheered their heart out. The most challenging obstacle was the fact that the squad was missing two crucial members for the competition, but the team was able to adjust.

“The squad had to make some last minute changes due to circumstances beyond their control. It may not have been a perfect performance, but they did an amazing job,” added Walk.

The Varsity Cheerleading Squad is excited about their performance but plan to improve.

When they aren’t cheering at winter sport events, the ladies will be preparing for their next competition in January at State College.