Butler High Golden Tornado's coed cheerleading squad reacts after winning the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Giant Center in Hershey. Submitted photo

HERSHEY — When the chips were down, Butler was on.

Spot on.

The Golden Tornado’s coed competitive cheerleading squad was deducted only half a point during its routine in the finals of the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Giant Center in Hershey. That performance captured the coed title, Butler’s score of 87.5333 points beating out runner-up McDowell’s 84.5.

“In cheerleading, that’s winning by a pretty good margin,” Butler coach Kristin Karam said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the way this squad put it together in the finals.”

Butler topped a field of 16 teams to win its first PIAA coed crown since 2019. McDowell had won it the previous three years in a row. The Tornado finished second to McDowell last year.

“It always seems to come down to us and them,” said Butler senior Madison Varner. “This is the best feeling I’ve had in a long time. Coming in second as opposed to winning? No comparison. I’m just so happy right now.

“When we go up against McDowell at smaller competitions during the year, it’s all friendly. When we get out to the state meet, it’s game on.”

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From left, Bayden Davenport, Ella Davenport, Brian Davenport, Sondra Davenport and Westyn Foster are all smiles welcoming home Butler High Golden Tornado's coed competitive cheerleading squad. The team won the the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships on Saturday, Jan. 28, night. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Butler High Golden Tornado's coed competitive cheerleading squad gathers for a group shot after capturing the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Giant Center in Hershey.Submitted photo

Confetti flies for Butler High Golden Tornado's coed competitive cheerleading squad members arriving back in Butler after winning the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

One of the Butler High Golden Tornado's coed competitive cheerleading squad members holds up the 5 pound bar of chocolate Saturday, Jan. 28, after walking off the bus after bringing home the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

People gather at Art Bernardi Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 28, night to welcome back home the Butler High Golden Tornado's coed competitive cheerleading squad after winning the PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

At Art Bernardi Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 28, night, members of the Butler High Golden Tornado's coed competitive cheerleading squad walk off the bus after winning the PIAA Varsity Cheerleading Championship. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

The Butler High Golden Tornado's coed competitive cheerleading squad comes back home with a PIAA Competitive Spirit Championships win on Saturday, Jan. 28, night. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

The Butler Township Volunteer Fire Department leads the Butler High Golden Tornado's coed competitive cheerleading squad back home as they bring back a state championship on Saturday, Jan. 28, night. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle