https://archive.triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/cheerleaders-shine-in-wpials-first-competitive-spirit-championship/
Cheerleaders shine in WPIAL's first Competitive Spirit Championship
Bethel Park High School cheerleaders play a circle game while they wait for the winners to be announced at the first WPIAL Competitive Cheer Championship held at North Hills High School in West View on Saturday, January 12, 2013. Cheerleading routines were judged on a cheer portion and a music portion, with points for pyramids, tumbling, jumps, and partner stunts, among other things. Stephanie Strasburg | Tribune-Review
The WPIAL hosted its first competitive spirit cheerleading competition on Saturday, drawing 25 teams and about 300 teenagers from across the region.
Pine-Richland took home the Class AAA crown, while Hopewell won in Class AA and Neshannock in Class A.
“It feels amazing, especially because you're competing against your peers,” Pine-Richland coach Danielle Hitson said.
The PIAA championships will be held Feb. 2 at the Giant Center in Hershey.
Rounding out the top seven qualifiers in Class AAA behind Pine-Richland were Shaler, Butler, North Allegheny, Montour, North Hills and Norwin. Additionally, Bethel Park, Mt. Lebanon and Franklin Regional also qualified.
In Class AA, South Fayette qualified as runner-up behind Hopewell; West Shamokin and Indiana also advanced. In Class A, Bishop Canevin and Laurel qualified behind Neshannock.
Judges graded teams on the cheer portion and a music segment of its performances.
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