“ALTOONA” the gym filled with cheers and excitement as the competition cheer team was announced seventh place, making it to States.
“I was unbelievably proud of them and the effort that they put in,” Coach Autumn Barry-Kyle said. “In order to accomplish this, we knew going in it was going to be hard to get a district title simply because of the way it is now structured, so our focus was on getting a bid to States. I think it will be a valuable experience for all involved.”
“It’s an incredible opportunity, one that I believe we all have worked so so hard for and deserve,” senior co-captain Serenity Hogans said. “I think this group of girls has so much potential and talent and community between us. I couldn’t ask for a better squad to go to states with.”
The girls will compete in the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships Friday Jan. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the War Memorial center in Johnstown. Out of all the teams who competed for District six the teams that made it were Altoona, Richland, United, Bishop McCourt, State College, Bellefonte and Greater Johnstown.
“We are always appreciative of every opportunity our teams get to compete, and we’re going to celebrate every level of success they get to enjoy however and wherever they find it,” State College Athletic Director Loren Crispell said. “They work extremely hard at what they do. They work extremely hard at their craft, just like all of our teams. So when they seek out opportunities for competition and find success, we’ll always be there to celebrate it.”
“I think the school community in general is excited,” Pleasant Valley High School Athletic Director James Korcienski said. “This is their second year in a row making it to states. They made it last year. We’ve traveled to Reading, and they’re excited again to make it this year. It’s a little bit further. So, we’re going to be staying overnight there Friday after the competition. We actually drew the last time slot for competition, so we’re going last at 8:04 on Friday night, so there’s a lot of competition to happen before them. They’re a little nervous that they’re the last one to give their performance.”
This will be the first time the Altoona team has made it to States since 2019, making it the girls, along with the coaches, first time to States.
“I feel like going to States is a really great opportunity for all of us and I’m so excited and happy that I get to experience it my first year of school cheer,” freshman Ashlyn Coudriet said. “I think we are going to do really well.”
The girls have spent the last few days practicing everyday to prepare themselves for the competition.
“I’m super excited for this opportunity to go to states with this team,” junior Brynley Rouzer said. “Everyone has been working extremely hard, and that has paid off. We are going to have great vibes on comp day it’s going to be something none of us has ever experienced. That’s the best part.”
