CC's Bowen splits time between
cheer, diving

Tuesday,
December 11, 2007

By
Dean Holzwarth

The Grand Rapids Press

Alex Bowen was glad that she did
her part to stop a longstanding dry spell.

The Catholic Central senior helped
the girls swimming and diving team last season win their first City League
title in 30 years.

Bowen was a diver for the Cougars,
and finished second at the final City meet behind her teammate and cousin,
Shelby Banaszak.

"It was amazing to beat them
and I can't even put it into words," Bowen said. "We were so close
last year and this year it was close again.

"I knew I had to finish
second in diving and in my last dive I scored enough to beat the girl in
third. I knew I had to get the points and it made me feel good because we
needed them."

Bowen also recorded her highest
score ever during the team's dual meet against Christian.

Although she failed to make it to
state after placing 21st at regionals, the
opportunity to win the last City League title eased the disappointment.

"I was really bummed that I
missed the cut at regionals, but I still felt like I
had a good season," Bowen said. "We won a City League title so that
felt great."

Bowen and Banaszak
share a love for the pool, and a close friendship. The two also will compete
together this winter on the competitive cheer team.

"We're really close and she's
pretty much my other half," Bowen said. "We're best friends and we
have a lot of fun."

Bowen is poised to continue her
senior year on the mat.

As a four-year standout on the
varsity cheer team, she competes as a back spot in all three rounds.

"Alex is a strong asset to
our team and she has a lot of energy," Catholic Central competitive cheer coach Tara Hickey said. "She has a positive
attitude and she's a great leader for our team."

Bowen is hoping to lead the
Cougars to a state finals appearance.

"We only lost two girls from
last year so we're not starting over," Bowen said. "We're just
picking up from where we left off and I think we have a great shot at going
to state. It would be a great end to my senior year."

Competitive cheer

Coach: Tara Hickey, second
year

Conference: City League

2006-07: Fifth at Class B regionals

Top returners: Seniors Katie Lauten, Alex Bowen and Kristin Whalen,

Newcomers: Freshman Mackenzie
Hollern, sophomore Bryanna
Hillary and junior Maggie Stein

Outlook: The Cougars have a
mix of talent with seven returners back on a team of 14.

Coach's comment: "I have
high expectations for this year's team. We have quite a bit of returning
experience and newcomers that bring a lot of talent and a strong work
ethic. We're hoping to have a strong season."

Key date: Feb. 9, PR Cheer at
the DeltaPlex