Liberty High School's cheerleading squad qualified for the PIAA State Cheerleading Championships on their first try at the District XI Competitive Spirit Cheerleading Championship on Jan. 10 at Shawnee Middle School, after having not competed at all in the last few years.

The Hurricanes placed fourth in the small division, scoring 182.1 points.

Liberty senior captain and main base, Payton Pinter, said, "We were kind of underdogs because we haven't competed in awhile. The crowd went really wild. I think they were shocked and happy for us."

The Hurricanes' routine began with a cheer, followed by standing tumbling and jumps. Partner stunts and running tumbling were next. The routine concluded with a pyramid and a dance.

Jumps included a sequence of hurdler, pike, toe touch, and back handspring, depending on where each group was placed.

"The pyramid had a lot of flips, and it was difficult to master," said Liberty sophomore and flyer, McKenna Clearie, "and our tumbling was at the end, which is when you're really tired."

Standing on the mats, waiting for the routine to begin can sometimes be as nerve wracking as performing the routine itself.

"You're thinking about the routine, breaking down every part. It's hit or miss. You only have one shot," Clearie said.

As the routine proceeds, other thoughts take over.

Pinter said, "You feel the good, positive stuff as you're going through it. You still need to make it look good no matter what."

Like other sports teams, the Hurricanes have their share of superstitions, especially while waiting for the results.

"We sit in a circle with our legs straight and hold hands, crisscrossing our arms," said Pinter. "We were all so happy and thankful that we're going to Hershey."

Wilson High School won the small division with 212 points. Whitehall was the runner-up with 196.6 points, and Parkland placed third with 194.2 points. All qualified for states, as well as Lehighton, who placed fifth and scored 166.3 points.

"Our goal was to go to states. We came a long way," Clearie said.

The Hurricanes are coached by Erin Michael and Robi Hanley.

The PIAA State Competition is scheduled for Jan. 23 and 24 at the Hershey Giant Arena.