St. Clair, Richmond seek runs at crowns

Originally published March 9, 2007

By JOSEPH HAYES

Times Herald

The Richmond
cheerleading team entered the 2006-2007 season with one goal - to make it to
the state-championship round.

Not only have the Blue Devils clinched a berth in the
Division 3 state finals, they accomplished even more.

They won the Blue Water
Area Conference, and out of 10 competitions, the Blue Devils won nine.

"We've had a great season," said
Richmond Coach Cathy Sopha, whose team has won four
of the past five BWAC titles.

"The girls have
been dedicated all season and have worked very hard."

Richmond travels Saturday to Chesaning Union High School
for the state competition, which begins at 10 a.m.

"We accomplished
our big goal," Richmond
flyer Denye' Latham said. "We're really
excited for the competition; I think we will do well."

The St. Clair cheer
team is in a similar position.

The Saints also have
had a stellar season, finishing in the top three in each of their 10 meets.

They will be at the
Delta Plex in Grand
Rapids for the Division 2 state finals.

"It's the first
time we've qualified for states in five years," St. Clair Coach Amanda Lipke said. "None of them have been to a state meet,
so they are all excited about having the opportunity to attend."

Both Richmond and St. Clair advanced by placing
second in their regionals.

The top two teams in
each regional advanced.

Each team will
participate today in three rounds.

In the first two, the
teams are given 1½ minutes to perform five skills.

The third round is
2½ minutes, and the teams can perform whatever they choose to impress
the judges.