Gaylord cheerleading
pair garners all-regional recognition

By
Jeremy Speer, HT Sports Editor

Saturday, March 15, 2008 12:06 AM EDT

GAYLORD — The Gaylord cheerleading team
continues to gain respect on a statewide level.

The Blue Devils were ranked as high as sixth in Division 2 and competed
admirably with some of the state’s traditionally-strong programs.

Another piece of evidence to the team’s success is with postseason
honors, which juniors Lindsey Fourman and Stephanie
Renkiewicz gained with being named to the
All-Region team in what was the toughest regional in the state.

“It’s really rewarding because it proves that other coaches are
noticing that we’re good enough to be included and they recognize our
hard work,” Renkiewicz said.

Fourman was named to the all-region first team
while Renkiewicz made honorable mention.

Both were key members of a young team that exceeded expectations. Gaylord had
just one senior and the two juniors, but the youthful group meshed well and
found overwhelming success.

“We all stepped to the plate and just worked harder,” Fourman said. “It’s great to be recognized
for what we’ve done.”

Fourman is a flyer for the Blue Devils, an obvious
standout position. Renkiewicz is the back base,
where she controls where the formation is going and is a leader on the
ground.

Both girls said there’s still a misconception that northern teams are
less talented, but they’re out to disprove it.

When the season started, only half of the team could perform a back
handspring, but by the end of the season, everyone could. The goal for next
year is for everyone to be able to complete a back tuck.

“It’s great to be talked about more,” Renkiewicz
said. “People are going to expect more from us in the future.”

Both girls plan on continuing cheerleading in the future. Fourman
has a 3.2 grade point average and is the daughter of Curt Fourman
and Ed and Helen English. She wants to attend Central
Michigan, where she’d like to cheer for the Chippewas’ co-ed team.

Renkiewicz carries a 3.3 grade point average and is
the daughter of Neal and Myken Renkiewicz.
She would like to try out for some post-high school cheer teams.

Both are looking ahead to next season.

“We’re going to work hard all summer and come back with a big
season,” Fourman said.