Thursday, December 13, 2007

Panthers
relying on senior's skill, determination

Brittney Gonzales called 'a silent leader' on mat

By LEO MARTONOSI Senior
Correspondent

Senior Brittney Gonzales isn't as vocal as some of the girls
on the West Ottawa competitive cheer team,
but she's still an important part of the team's success.

Just ask
second-year coach Kristine Brandt.

"She's
a silent leader," Brandt said. "She's a very solid athlete who has
put in a lot of time to become very good in competitive cheer."

Gonzales
competes in all three rounds for the defending O-K Red Conference champs.

West
Ottawa opens the season Saturday at the Competitive Cheer Coaches Association
of Michigan Invitational at Comstock
Park High
School.

Gonzales
has come a long way since not cheering in middle school.

"I
got cut," said Gonzales, who did not let the experience deter her. She
tried out for the competitive cheer team as a freshman and made the team.

This is
her second year starting on varsity.

"I'm
glad I did," Gonzales said of trying out again as a freshman. "I
love the sport."

Brandt is
happy with the way Gonzales has developed her skills.

Gonzales
makes the team better, Brandt said.

"Brittney
is one of our strengths," Brandt said. "She's worked hard to get
where she's at."

Gonzales
has spent a lot of time on a mat.

"I
was in gymnastics for a few years," Gonzales said. "Gymnastics
really helped me become a better cheerleader."