But they appreciate every moment.

“I do believe the girls appreciate the experience and opportunity to compete at the state level,” said Warren coach Melissa Feaster. “This year, I told them I just want them to be proud of what they put out on the mat at states and know that we did everything possible to make it through to semifinals. My only true worry as their coach is I want them to be proud. I said this to them because I have watched teams walk off disappointed in themselves and I don’t want that for them.”

Winning the D10 Class 3A Small Varsity Division over Oil City and Erie High ensured the Dragons their fifth-straight trip to the PIAA championships. On Thursday and Friday, the state’s best squads will perform at Reading’s 7,100-seat Santander Arena.

Among the D10 champion Dragons are seniors Annette Carrington, Shaina Critzer, Faith Hovan, Emily Sudul, Hailey Graham, Maddi Herzog and Kendra Noe; juniors Peyton Kent, Delaney Wright and Kendra Tudor; sophomores Alena Papalia, Elaina Retterer, Hayden Schuler, Jayelyn Christensen and Maya Philhower; and freshmen Elise Amsdell, Annabelle Harvey and Josephine Pearson. They first take to the mat at 1:40 p.m. Thursday.

Warren freshman Annabelle Harvey (top) practices a stunt. Photo by Mark Evans

“After qualifying for states, we set goals as a team,” said Feaster. “Sometimes we achieve them and sometimes we don’t. That’s okay. I just wanted them to be comfortable in the routine. They have made some upgrades to skills and reworked the cheer to help increase the overall score. They are so incredibly strong, talented and have so much drive. They have crushed it the last couple weeks.”

Warren is competing in the 3A division this year.

“I think the upperclassmen and I understand what this means, talent-wise,” said Feaster. “We will be against some amazing teams. They are always so awesome to watch. I am excited for the underclassmen to experience this event. There is nothing like it.

“I think knowing you are at the state championships makes it a little more nerve-wracking for everyone, so it’s hard to be comfortable,” she said. “Some of the seniors have done this three times before, so they know what to expect with schedules and traveling. They will feel a little out of place since they have always gone to Hershey, and even have stayed in the same hotel and had the same bus driver. This year will feel different for sure. However, I have confidence in them. They have put in a lot of hard work and are ready.”

The new Reading location for 2025 is different than “Chocolate World,” but most of the logistics are the same.

Warren senior Hailey Graham (top) practices a stunt while holding on to freshman Elise Amsdell before Thursday’s PIAA 3A Competitive Spirit Championships at Reading’s Santander Arena. Photo by Mark Evans

“For example, I want them to know the judges are on stands and sitting higher up so they have to project their voices so much more,” said Feaster. “I just want them to have as much information as possible when competing at such a high level.

“Unfortunately, we have had some injuries over the last week that were tough to swallow, which all injuries are,” she said. “I just hate to see the athletes get hurt because I want nothing but the best for them.”

Warren leaves town today at noon and preliminary rounds run all day Thursday, starting at 9 a.m. Semifinal and final rounds are on Friday, which is always the goal.

“Before states, there are so many emotions running through me,” said senior Annette Carrington. “I have excitement about being there and being with my team. I am nervous about performing in front of thousands of people and making it to finals. I also am just so anxious to get out there to do my best and show everyone what we have put into this.”

Senior teammate Shaina Critzer added, “While I feel a little nervous, I’m mostly just grateful for the opportunity to compete again. We’re going to try our best and give it our all, and I’m looking forward to making great memories with my amazing team.”