Originally published February 21, 2008

Rochester cheer team sets state mark

Rochester's competitive cheer team added to its
lore of high remarks over the years when it set a new state record Saturday
at the Chesaning Union Invitational.

The Falcons, who have
won eight of nine invitational titles this season and are ranked No. 1 in
Division 1, amassed 803.096 points to become the first team from Michigan to eclipse
the 800-point barrier at a meet.

The Falcons were
nearly 14 points ahead of runner-up Southgate Anderson (789.256) and 17
points head of third-place finisher East Kentwood
(786.240) in the eight-school field.

Rochester trailed Southgate (230.5 to
229.5) after the first round, but posted totals of 251.596 and 322.0 in the
second and third rounds to blow the field away.

"This is so
exciting," veteran Rochester
coach Susan Wood said.

"We didn't
perform well at all at leagues, then we come back
and scored over 800 at Chesaning. Our girls are really starting to step it up
at the right time (of year)."

Rochester will compete in the Lake Orion-hosted
Division 1 regional March 1.