Bishop McCort High School hosts 35th annual SpiritFest

Bishop McCort High School held its 35th annual SpiritFest Cheerleading competition on Sunday.

Over 70 teams showed up to participate and perform their best traditional and game day routines before a panel of judges.

Organizers explain that the event was first initiated to highlight the athletes in the area and what they can do. However the event grew exponentially during the pandemic. From just 12 teams originally, Bishop McCort was able to transform the competition into one of the biggest cheerleading events in Western Pennsylvania.

“That’s when it really grew for us and I think it did because we provided this venue for other people to do it," said Dr. John Walker, Head Cheerleading Coach at Bishop MCort High Schoo. "These cheerleaders worked so hard and they weren’t getting that recognition that year so that was a huge event for us.”

Those taking part telling us it's not just about the competition, it is also an important bonding experience between schools.

“I feel like it’s a really good bonding experience for everyone just to come together and then cheer each other on," said Lydia Duris, a cheerleader at Bishop McCort. "We always do that, locally, and even with school we just cheer on the football team and the basketball team.”

If your missed SpiritFest you can still support the Bishop McCort varsity cheerleading team at the district championships in Altoona next Saturday.

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