Moniteau's competitive cheerleading team shows off its awards after winning the District 9 overall championship for the first time in program history. Butler won the WPIAL large division title and Karns City also qualifiied for the upcoming PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships.

Hershey, here they come.

Butler, Moniteau and Karns City all punched their ticket to this weekend’s PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships with impressive cheerleading performances in their respective district meets Saturday.

The Golden Tornado won the WPIAL large division championship at Hempfield, tallying 95.63 points. Butler finished second overall in scoring at the competition, trailing only Bethel Park’s 96.06 points.

Moniteau placed first in the medium division — and overall — in the District 9 championships held at DuBois High School. Karns City placed second in the medium division and third overall.

“We lost to Bethel Park by less than a point ... That shows how fine and exact the execution has to be during a routine,” Butler coach Marianne Miller said. “Every cheer, every step, every element of technique counts.

This is an excerpt — read more about each team and how they plan to handle the upcoming competition in Monday’s Butler Eagle.