Wildcats Competitive Spirit’s Historic First Season Concludes With Fine Showing At PIAA State Championships

on 3 March, 2026 at 16:41

Above photo courtesy of Dave Eggleton – Wildcats performing a routine

(Editor’s Note: we couldn’t get this out earlier as there were major AI interruptions from an unknown source preventing information from getting through.)

The Central Clarion Wildcats Competitive Spirit Team, recently completed their historic first first ever season, added another historic first, as the team competed in the 2025-2026 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) State Championships, held at the First Summit Arena at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown (which has a capacity of roughly 4,000), on Friday and Saturday, January 9th and 10th.

Photo courtesy of Dave Eggleton – The girls when they first arrived at 1st Summit Arena – Front (L-R) Abby Felmlee, Jeliza Childs, Grace Reinsel, Addison Owen, Samantha Patton, and Hailey Merryman. Back (L-R) Kayla Carlson, Calyssa Hartle, Willow Foust, Avery Bunch, Amelia Jewell, Teagan Spangler, Lilly Shirey, Ryli Girt, and Markie Raybuck.

And if the historicity of making states wasn’t enough, the Wildcats, under the mentorship of head coach Ashley Parker and assistant coach Mabelle Reed, darn near made it to the Class 2A Small School Division semifinals.

Just how close were the Wildcats to making the semifinals?

Coach Parker ecstatically proclaimed, “We scored 56.3 points putting us in 9th place, only 3 points off from moving on to Semifinals. We also got zero deductions!”

Photo courtesy of Dave Eggleton – The Team sitting in the bleachers, watching other teams warm-ups as they wait for their turn – Front (L-R) Abby Felmlee, Kayla Carlson, Jeliza Childs and Willow Foust. Middle (L-R) Calyssa Hartle, Hailey Merryman, Lilly Shirey, Samantha Patton, Ryli Girt, Coach Mabelle and Coach Ashley. Back (L-R) Avery Bunch, Amelia Jewell, Grace Reinsel, Teagan Spangler and Addison Owen.

Absolute lifelong memories for the Central Clarion Squad, which is a co-op from of Clarion-Limestone, North Clarion and Clarion Area school districts, their coaches and others involved in the program.

Professional photo by Action Shot submitted by Central Clarion Wildcat Competitive Spirit – The girls just before they went to their warm-up time – Front (L-R) Jeliza Childs, Abby Felmlee, Hailey Merryman, and Amelia Jewell. Middle row is Teagan Spangler, Kayla Carlson, Lilly Shirey, Grace Reinsel, Addison Owen. Back row left to right is Avery Bunch, Willow Foust, Ryli Girt, Calyssa Hartle, Markie Raybuck, Samantha Patton.

Coach Parker commented on the impact of the campaign on the team. “We qualified for States our first season ever that alone was a big accomplishment for us. I am beyond proud of the hard work these girls put in. States was a huge learning experience for both us coaches and the athletes.”

Getting to States has some reaped some immeadiate benefits for the team.

Coach Parker shared, “The girls are definitely more motivated and excited for the upcoming season. We are experiencing girls going to the university to get in extra stunt clinics, signing up for tumbling classes.

“To see the excitement and passion grow in all these athletes after states is one of my best coaching memories.”

And in the long run. “The Wildcat Cheer program is really taking off and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

(Congratulations to the Wildcats Competive Spirit Team on This Great, Historic First Season!!!! Thanks to Dave Eggleton for is photos and to Action Shot for their photo!!)