Not so long ago, Tori Magnotti was demonstrating her talents as part of Bethel Park’s competitive cheerleading program.

These days, she’s guiding students as the high school team’s head coach.

In advance of the squad’s annual trip to Florida for the National High School Cheerleading Championships, Bethel Park community members had an opportunity to see how Magnotti and her assistant, Bianca Lynch, helped prepare the girls to showcase their athleticism and school spirit

The Feb. 5 event featured traditional mat and game-day routines, plus a Dad Jump-Off, for which men in the audience — an enthusiastic youngster participated, too — were invited to give what’s called a toe jump a try. Cheerleader Heidi Miller demonstrated the jump, which involves touching the toes of outstretched legs, and everyone did a good job of following her example.

Two team members are working on a project for a marketing class that requires helping a local organization, and they chose Bethel Park-based South Hills Interfaith Movement, which has a food pantry. People who attended the showcase were asked to bring nonperishable items to help keep the pantry well-stocked.

Along with Heidi, others on the competitive cheerleading squad are Francesca Balkovec, Bryleigh Burke, Mia Cotter, Zoey Cotter, Kylee Elkins, Abby Farrell, Keaira Griffiths, Addy Gurganus, Kayla Henley, Claire McDonnell, Chela Miller and Lyla Miller.

Magnotti, a 2018 Bethel Park High School graduate, was part of a Black Hawks team that took first place in the small varsity division at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association competitive spirit championships. Lynch was a letter winner in cheerleading throughout her years attending Elk County Catholic High School in St. Marys.

The Universal Cheerleaders Association Nationals took place Feb. 9-12 in Orlando.

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