Garret Matley and Haley Durbin
Tyrone Students Win National Cheerleading Title
March 22, 2017
Tyrone senior Hailey Durbin and junior Garett Matley competed as members of the Xtreme Cheer All-Stars at the American Majestic Cheer and Dance competition in Buffalo, New York on February 25th and 26th. Their team won first place will travel to Walt Disney World to compete at a National Competition on May 5th through the 7th.
The two were taken by surprise when they found out that their team had won.
“I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that we had beaten teams that we originally said were better than us,” said Matley.
The good news continued as they also won Grand National Champs in Virginia a few weeks later.
The Eagle Eye interviewed Garett and Hailey about their experience:
Garett Matley
EE: What was your favorite memory about the competition?
GM: Since it was in Buffalo, it was along the border of Canada, so there were many teams that spoke French and other languages.
EE: What was your reaction to finding out about winning national champions?
GM: I couldn’t wrap my around the fact that we had beaten teams that we originally said were better than us.
EE: What was your reaction to finding out about summit?
GM: It was crazy and felt like a dream. I still can’t believe that we’re actually going.
EE: How long have you been competitively cheering?
GM: I have only been cheering for about a year now.
EE: What were your expectations?
GM: I was expecting us to go far, but I would have never imagined reaching the summit on my first year cheering.
EE: What do you think made you win?
GM: Everyone really pulled together as a team and realized that we had a very good shot at winning. We are one big family.
Mya Romano is in 10th grade and this is her first year in Eagle Eye. Mya is not your typical housewife that only reads “The Selection Series,” and...
Hailey Durbin
EE: What was your favorite memory about the competition?
HD: Seeing the look on everyone’s faces when they announced us at first.
EE: What was your reaction to finding out about winning national champions?
HD: I started screaming. I was in disbelief that we actually won.
EE: What was your reaction to finding out about summit?
HD: I was so happy. This has always been a dream of mine.
EE: How long have you been competitively cheering?
HD: I’ve been competitively cheering for four years.
EE: What were your expectations?
HD: My goal is always to win. However, in the beginning of the season, I never expected to make it this far.
EE: What do you think made you win?
HD: The passion it takes to win. My amazing coach, Steph Jacoby pushes us to always be the best.
Mya Romano is in 10th grade and this is her first year in Eagle Eye. Mya is not your typical housewife that only reads “The Selection Series,” and...