Falcon cheerleaders third at Delta Plex

by Advance Newspapers

Monday February 11,
2008, 4:29 PM

The East Kentwood competitive
cheerleading team made a big mark at the Delta Plex
on Saturday.

The Falcons placed third in the Division 1
competition with 775.260 total points, placing just behind Grandville's
778.704 and first-place Rochester's
793.392. E-K head coach Stacy Sheler said this was
a watershed performance at the huge annual event that is seen an unofficial
preview of the state finals.

"This is the best we've ever done at the Delta Plex," Sheler said.
"This team is a lot better at this point in the season than we were in
past years. We finished ahead of Grandville in round one and round three, so
I'm happy with our performance."

E-K started off the night with an outstanding showing of 222.5 in
round one, which was better than Grandville's 220 score. The Falcons scored
234.76 in round two, which Sheler said she was
pleased with despite a few minor glitches in the routine. But the Falcons
competed with 16 girls in round instead of 14 for the first time this season,
and the two newcomers performed well in their first time out.

In round three, the Falcons (318) once again scored higher than the
Bulldogs' 316.5. One of the leaders on the floor for E-K was three-year
competitor and junior Jessica Kurdziel, who was in
all three rounds. Sheler also noted the leadership
of senior Aierelle Carpenter who is a motivator on
the team through her positive attitude.

The Falcons will compete on Saturday at Chesaning, where they will
again see Rochester,
Grandville and several other of the top-tier teams
in the state. Sheler sees these late meets as good
measuring sticks for her team heading into regionals
and state.

"We were the regional champs two years ago, and we want to it
again this year," said Sheler. "I think
we're much closer to that point this year than we were two years ago. So
think we could do it again this year."