High school competitive cheer season preview

By LEO MARTONOSI

The Holland Sentinel

Dec 11, 2008

Hamilton

Coach: Krystal Shelton

Key cheerleaders: Kelsey Koning, Sr., Amanda Schoeppe,
Sr., Kelly Klingenberg, Sr., Danielle TerHaar, Soph., Allison Paris, Jr., and Jessica Essink, Sr.

Fast fact: The Hawkeyes did not
field a team last year.

Coach’s quote: “This year we
are hoping to be the Cinderella team. Without having a team last year we had
to start from the bottom, but we are hoping to move straight to the top. We
have a team of 10, half of which have never cheered competitively. I have
three girls that have never cheered before. Our team has a mix of freshmen
through seniors.” — Krystal Shelton

Holland Christian

Coach: Darlene Draisma

Key cheerleaders: Kelly Marsman, Sr., Katelyn VerHage,
Sr., Brittani Slenk, Sr., Sarah Ebels,
Sr., Crista Woods, Sr., Carah
Hoitenga, Jr., Brinslea Van
Kampen, fresh., Olivia Edewaard, fr.

Fast fact: The Maroons have won
five league championships in a row.

Coach’s quote: “We’re off
to a very solid start. It’s awesome to share (head) coaching duties
with Beth Cunningham. It’s making my job so much easier.”
— Darlene Draisma

West Ottawa

Coach: Kristine Brandt

Key cheerleaders: Erin McGovern, Sr.,
Monica Harrington, Sr., Taylor Bosman, Sr., Lauren
Lee, Sr., Mary Blank, Jr., Sidney Beaudreault,
Haley Stokes, Jr. and Alyssa Saing, Soph.

Fast fact: The Panthers are
coming off a fifth-place O-K Red Conference finish.

Coach’s quote: “We only have
five seniors, but we had a very strong jayvee team last year and expect to be
better this season.” — Kristine Brandt

Zeeland East

Coach: Megan Ullery

Key cheerleaders: Rachel Tamminga, Jr., Amy Soukhome,
Jr., Amanda Prewitt, Jr., Heather Lemmen, Jr., Sammi Morren, Jr., Anjalie Post, Soph.

Fast fact: The Chix have their third different coach in three years.

Coach’s quote: “The last two
coaches were teachers and moved on to Texas. I’m not a
teacher and I’m not moving to Texas, but I’m
looking forward to starting a program.” — Megan Ullery

Zeeland West

Coach: Jessica Brinks

Key cheerleaders: Emily Hoeve, Sr., Michelle Grotters,
Jr., Shaelyn Oudemolen,
Jr., Samantha Walters, Jr., Andrea Field, Soph., Audrey Smith, Soph.

Fast fact: Hoeve is lone senior on the
team.

Coach’s quote: “Even though we
are a very young team with half of our team underclassmen, the girls are
working hard and we have high expectations.” — Jessica
Brinks