GR Christian
coach a cheer proponent

Tuesday,
December 11, 2007

By
Michael J. Dault

The Grand Rapids Press

Grand Rapids Christian competitive
cheer coach Jaquie DeJonge
has been around cheerleading for years, and brings passion to her team.

DeJonge has enjoyed watching the
evolution and growth of the competitive cheer as it moved from the sidelines.

"I loved cheering when I was
younger," said DeJonge, who cheered at Lakeview High School. "The sport has grown
to a whole other level over the years."

DeJonge started coaching at Forest Hills
Central in 1980. Now, nearly three decades later, she is part of a strong
local scene.

"Competitive cheer now is the
fastest-growing sport in Michigan
next to basketball." DeJonge said. "West Michigan is the home of competitive cheer."

DeJonge and her husband, Tom, who is a
superintendent at Christian, have a daughter who has graduated from the
school and a son who is a current junior.

"My family loves Grand Rapids
Christian," DeJonge said.

Last season, the Eagles lost in regionals by .08 points. They are as determined as ever
to give the state meet another shot.

"Last year was heartfelt for
us, but this season we are very motivated and determined to win it." DeJonge said. "With the bonus of getting our own gym
to practice in, we look to not disappoint."

DeJonge, when not with her family or her
team, spends time watching tapes of past meets to figure out more strategy
for competition.

"Watching tapes of past
seasons, I have come to realize the sport has changed very much." DeJonge said. "The athleticism has advanced, styles
are different and the conditioning has changed."

With the coming end of the City
League, DeJonge has mixed emotions.

"I feel for the other sports,
I do, because my son is in football and baseball." DeJonge
said. "At the same time, though, I am pleased we finally get a league of
our own (for competitive cheer) because we've never had a league."

The Eagles will compete in the O-K
White Conference next season.

"I'm excited about the sport
after all these years coaching, and I hope to coach another 27 more," DeJonge said.

"The best part of all this is
my relationship with the girls and getting them ready for life. That, for me,
is the most special thing of all."

Competitive cheer

Coach: Jaquie
DeJonge, 27th year

Conference: City League

2006-07: Lost in regionals

Top returners: Seniors Olivia
Holwerda and Amanda Luymes

Outlook: Hungry team looks to
overcome a difficult regional loss last season.

Coach's comment: "We are
very motivated and determined more than ever this year."

Key date: Holland
Invitational on Jan. 19