Competitive spirit squad prepared for district meet
The Punxsy competitive cheer squad had been hard at work for months getting ready for the district championships, and on Saturday they’ll have the opportunity to showcase their routine at Moniteau High School in West Sunbury.
Districts, which are usually held at DuBois Area High School, were moved to a new location this year, but that’s not the only change, as the district meet is usually held in early January but was delayed this season due to COVID-19 restrictions in place near the first of the year.
“We had lots of changes with our D-9 date,” said Kara Leslie, the head coach for Punxsy Cheer. “It was originally going to be in January, then March, and then back to February, so it’s been a bit hectic. The girls are really excited, and they’ve worked
really well together this year through everything. They’re definitely working as a team. I’m excited to see them get to perform this weekend.”
Senior cheerleader Emily Kennedy said, “I’m really excited for this weekend because these girls are like my sisters, and we’ve put a lot of work into our routine. I hope it goes really well.”
Ninth-grader Keira Ruffaner added, “I’m excited for this weekend because I get to be with my team and do the sport that I love doing the most, and I think we’re going to do great.”
Speaking about what she likes the most about this weekend’s opportunity, Leslie said it’s the chance for her squad to showcase the things they’ve practiced behind closed doors for so long.
“I think what we’re most looking forward to is the girls having the opportunity to show off what they’ve been working on, because when we do sideline cheer, we don’t get to do all of the things that we do in competition,” she said.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions this year, fans won’t be granted entry into the facility, but those who would like to tune in and root for the Punxsy squad from a distance can do so via a link posted on the school district’s website. To find the link, visit the district website, punxsy.k12.pa.us, and under the “Latest News” section, click on “Athletics Live Stream Schedule.”
Punxsy will compete in the small division with two other schools, Moniteau and A-C Valley. One team from each division — small, large and co-ed — will automatically advance to states, and a fourth at-large team will also move on. The event begins at 2 p.m., and following the opening ceremonies, Punxsy will be the first group to perform.