By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
The Pennsylvania State Cheerleading Championships return to Johnstown this weekend.
More than 100 teams and their fans are expected to jam the Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown, for two days of competition.
Debbie McQuillen of Westmont, championship director, said people from across the state will travel to Johnstown to cheer for their children amid a flurry of flashing cameras.
“There will be 104 teams competing, with all portions of Pennsylvania represented,” McQuillen said.
“They come from New Castle High School in the west to Schuylkill Valley High School in the east.”
She said one Adams County school district, Conewago Valley, has booked 30 rooms at a downtown hotel.
“Cumberland Valley School District in Mechanicsburg, Pa., is bringing over 120 of their students to compete,” she said. “We have both girls and boys competing, with seven varsity squads that have young men on their teams.”
Teams will compete from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
Doors will open to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 on Sunday.
On Saturday, the school division features squads from peewee elementary (fourth grade and younger) and running through to the varsity coed division.
“Sunday, we will be running our All-Star Division beginning with Tiny All-stars (kindergarten age and younger), which is the cutest thing you have ever seen, and going straight through to our Senior All-Stars.”
Daily admission is $9 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the arena box office.
McQuillen stressed that cheerleading is a year-round activity, and the cheerleaders are not only busy practicing for competitions but also cheering at school events.
“These girls literally work year-round to be successful,” she said. “In the fall, these teams are not only practicing for competitions, but also cheerleading for football and other sports teams.”
McQuillen said much of the credit goes to the adults who are coaching these kids.
“Without exception, these coaches are paid very little and yet put in more time than all other high school coaches combined,” she said.
“They give up family time and leisure time to make an impact on the lives of these young people and seldom get the credit they deserve.”
Megan Miller, 23, of Richland Township coaches cheerleaders ranging in ages from 7 to 12 from the Geistown-Richland area. Her squad captured the championship in 2007 and credits the dedication and athleticism of her charges.
“My girls practice two hours a day, two days a week beginning in April,” Miller said. “The competition season begins in October and runs through November. We take December off and pick up again in January.”
Miller said involvement in cheerleading teaches the participants respect and responsibility.
“It also does wonders for a girl’s confidence and self-esteem,” she said. “They may come in to the program as a shy 7-year-old, but in a few weeks they’re outgoing because they have to be. There’s no such thing as a quiet cheerleader.”
Tim Landis, War Memorial general manager, said he expects to see about 2,000 visitors each day.
The event is the only competition recognized by the state Legislature.
The winning squads are invited to Harrisburg to meet with legislators and are recognized with certificates of achievement.
“We also will be presenting a $1,000 scholarship to Pennsylvania’s outstanding cheerleader,” McQuillen said. “This competition involves a scholastic portion and a performance portion.”
School spirit
What: 23rd annual Pennsylvania State Cheerleading Championships.
Where: Cambria County War Memorial Arena, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown.
When: Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets: Arena box office.
Cost: $9 adults, $5 students per day.
Information: 536-5156.
