Submitted photo The Mifflin County competitive spirit squad includes front row from left: Kayla McTavish and Alaina Chilson; middle row: Madilyn Clinger, Lilly Tower, Ally Kahley, Aubrey Kensinger, Isabelle Pecht and Adelaide Rohan; and back row: Hannah Johnson, Brooklyn Hook, Giuliana Torres, Sayuri Clark, Morgan Sheetz, Ella Kaufman, Jordyn Romig, Abigail Baumgardner and Kendra Royer.

Young roster delivers breakout season and top-20 finish in deep state field

JOHNSTOWN — On a stage built for the state’s best, the Mifflin County Huskies competitive spirit squad delivered a dynamic, high-energy routine that vaulted them into elite company and into the PIAA Championship semifinals on Jan. 10 at 1st Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial in downtown Johnstown.

The performance capped a season defined by growth, grit and team chemistry that strengthened with every competition. For a young roster with only two seniors, the semifinal run wasn’t just a postseason milestone — it was a breakthrough moment for a program steadily climbing the state ranks.

A season built on ambition

From the first practice last spring, the Huskies set a goal that was anything but modest: become district champions. In District 6, that means rising above every AAA program, not just those in their division.

Competitive spirit is divided into AAA Small Varsity, AAA Large Varsity, AA Small, AA Large, and Coed. Out of all of them, Mifflin County finished second overall — a remarkable achievement for a team still developing its identity.

The Huskies didn’t just meet expectations. They exceeded them, outscoring programs with state titles and national placements on their résumés. Their district performance set the tone for a postseason that would test their composure, difficulty level and ability to perform under pressure.

A young team with a veteran’s heart

Mifflin County head coach Jen Johnson knew the path wouldn’t be easy. With only two seniors and a roster heavy with underclassmen, the Huskies entered the season with talent but limited experience at the state level.

“Going into the season, we knew we had a very young team — only two seniors — and that made the path to success a little more of a challenge,” Johnson said.

At the PIAA Championships, 41 teams competed in the Huskies’ division, split into two preliminary groups. To advance, Mifflin County needed to finish in the top 10 of its group. After a Day 1 routine that included a noticeable flaw in the pyramid, Johnson wasn’t certain the judges would give them the nod.

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure if we would make it into Day 2 after a tough Day 1 performance,” she said. “But even with the mistake, we still had a strong routine with a high level of difficulty. It was in the judges’ hands.”

The judges saw what the team had built all season: difficulty, synchronization and heart. Mifflin County advanced to the semifinals — a moment that validated months of work. Canon McMillan was crowned the champion of the Huskies’ division.

Athletes who rose to the moment

For the athletes, the semifinal appearance wasn’t just a result — it was a reward.

“I feel very proud with how we did and placed,” said freshman Morgan Sheetz. “It’s a huge accomplishment making it to states, let alone semifinals. I’m ready to get back to work for next season.”

Sophomore Madilyn Clinger echoed that pride. “We grew as a team and overcame challenges together,” she said. “All the effort we put in paid off. Making it to the semifinals was a great end to our competitive season.”

For senior Alaina Chilson, the run was the perfect ending to her final year. “I was very hopeful we would make it far,” she said. “This team is hardworking and dedicated. We encourage each other to do our best. I couldn’t have asked for a better final season.”

Understanding the sport — and earning respect

Competitive spirit continues to fight for recognition in a sports landscape dominated by football, basketball, and wrestling. But the Huskies’ athletes see the shift happening.

“When people hear cheerleading, they think of girls waving pom-poms,” said junior Ella Kaufman. “But competitive spirit is different. It’s a two-and-a-half-minute routine packed with tumbling, stunts, jumps and cheer. It’s everyone showing their best skills at once. Not a lot of people understand the two sides of cheerleading.”

Senior Kayla McTavish believes the respect is growing. “Competitive spirit is gaining more respect even if it doesn’t always get the spotlight,” she said. “People don’t always see the strength, dedication and mental toughness it takes. But more athletes are speaking up and proving it’s a real sport. The respect is definitely growing.”

A semifinal finish — and a foundation for the future

In the semifinal round, the Huskies delivered one of their strongest performances of the season, finishing sixth in their group — just shy of the top two needed to reach the finals. Their final placement put them in the top 20 of 41 teams statewide, securing their place among Pennsylvania’s best.

For Johnson, the finish was less about rankings and more about character.

“The girls stayed focused, adapted under pressure, and proved their resilience,” she said. “Their ability to overcome a flawed first day and perform at a high level the next day exceeded any expectations I had.”

With only two seniors graduating, the Huskies return a deep, experienced roster next season — one that now knows what it takes to reach the state stage and compete with the best.

“This team showed resilience, teamwork, and a dedication to improvement every single day,” Johnson said. “They reached new heights, and seeing them rise to the challenge was truly inspiring.”

The Huskies might have exited in the semifinals, but their season ended with something far more lasting: belief. And for a young team with growing confidence, that might be their most important victory of all.