BUTLER TWP — The best leading the best.

That's what Butler's competitive cheerleaders aspire to be.

Seniors Jenna Birckbichler, Mylee Tate and Mya Slomers took major steps in that direction recently in being named All-Americans last month at the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) preseason camp at Pine Forest in The Poconos.

All cheerleaders at the camp are eligible to try for All-American — which requires performing a cheer, dance and jump in front of UCA judges — but Butler only allows its seniors to go for the honor.

“It's a tradition in our program,” Birckbichler said. “It's something I've thought about for a long time.”

Birckbichler, Tate and Slomers have been cheerleaders for a combined 41 years. Birckbichler got started in kindergarten, Tate and Slomers when they were 4 and 3 years old, respectively.

“I remember trying out for the team as a flyer my freshman year and not making it,” Tate said. “It was hard to take, but I went down to the junior high team and worked my butt off.

“I got better at other positions as a result. The following year and since, I feel like I can help our team at any position.”

Slomers is proud of the fact she's gone from cheering for the Prospect Chiefs as a young girl to achieving All-American. These three girls, along with Butler male teammate Mike Wheeler, were also selected by the UCA staff at the camp to receive the option of training to become a UCA coach themselves.

“They only offered that opportunity to 12 cheerleaders overall and four of us were from Butler,” Slomers said. “I think that speaks well for the quality of our program.”

Butler also received the Leadership Award at the camp. Cheerleaders at the camp were asked what other team they would like to belong to other than their own. The Leadership Award goes to the team whose name came up most often.

“These kids are more proud of that Leadership Award than anything else,” Butler cheerleading coach Marianne Miller said.

Birckbichler recognizes the expectations that come with being on the Butler cheer squad.

The Golden Tornado placed second in the WPIAL meet, second in the PIAA meet and third at UCA Nationals in Orlando, Fla., last season.

“Any competition we go to, the name 'Butler' precedes us,” Birckbichler said. “It's not only about how we perform, it's about how we conduct ourselves.

“We've learned responsibility and respect ... how to treat other people with respect, through this program.”

Tate agreed.

“I've had girls from other teams walk up to me and say how much they love our team, that they wish they could be part of our team ... that means everything to us,” Tate said.

Birckbichler, Tate and Slomers received awards for making All-American. They are also invited to participate in a parade in Hawaii around New Year's.

Birckbichler plans to attend Slippery Rock University next year, enter the physician's assistant program, and pursue joining their cheerleading squad.

Tate will be attending Kent State University to study fashion design while Slomers is joining the nursing program at Butler County Community College. They do not plan to be active cheerleaders after this season.

All three plan to pursue the opportunity to be UCA coaches, however.

Wheeler said of the coaching opportunity: “It's not something I've really considered, but I'm open to it. I have a lot of respect for this sport and how hard everyone works at it.

“I plan on attending college at South Florida, maybe Slippery Rock ... I'd be open to doing cheerleading there.”

“It'd be a nice way to stay involved in the sport,” Tate said of being a UCA coach.

Slomers' cousins, Alisha and Alex, were Butler cheerleaders before her.

“The leadership skills and people skills I've learned through being part of this program will help me throughout my life,” Slomers said.

Birckbichler said cheerleading has “opened me up. I've met so many amazing friends. This is a family that truly supports each other.”

Tate said: “I've learned how to be selfless and be part of a team.”

Miller isn't surprised this trio has accomplished what it has.

“I can see the joy in their eyes when they're cheering,” the coach said. “Their hearts are happy when they're on the mat or on the track at games.

“We don't just want to produce good athletes. We want these kids to be good human beings, too. They're learning life lessons here, how to be on time, how to be accountable.

“People know who Butler is. There's an expectation there ... as a coach, that's what I'm most proud of,” Miller added.