Coopersville’s
Lothshutz sees strength in low numbers

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Grand Rapids Press

By Jeff Chaney

Staci Lothschutz does not think a small squad is going to hurt.

Lothschutz, a senior on the Coopersville competitive
cheer team, actually thinks it could help in the long run.

"I think we can accomplish a lot," Lothschutz
said. "We have a small team with 13 on it, but we all work hard in
practice."

The small numbers have helped in what the Broncos have been able to
accomplish already this season.

"Last year at this time, we didn't have our round three in, but this
year we are done with everything and that is going to help,"
Coopersville coach Kristy Ellis said. "I usually don't like to compete
before Christmas, but this year we could have."

Coopersville may not have a big squad, but it does have a good corps of
seniors, including Lothschutz, Danielle Portfleet, Emily Klein and Diana Bosman.

The Broncos also have some talented newcomers in freshmen Sierra Styf-Shook, Jenny Krey, Anna
Hilton and Jessica Klein.

"We are close on and off the mat, and that's big in this sport," Lothschutz said. "You can tell at all the
competitions the teams that are close and the teams that aren't. The teams
that are close work well together, and that's what helps."

Ellis sees it, and is ready for her team to go when competition begins after
the holiday break.

Last season, Coopersville finished fifth in the rugged O-K Blue Conference.
The Broncos look to move up in the standings competing with the likes of last
season's Division 3 state runner-up Comstock Park, Sparta and Cedar Springs.

"We are ahead of schedule," Ellis said. "Now we are just
fine-tuning. We don't have the tumbling that other teams have, but we do have
crisp motions. We are clean and crisp."

Lothschutz is excited to see what the team can do
in her final year on the squad.

"I just want to know that we did as good as we
could as a team every time we step off the mat," Lothschutz
said. "I am confident we will do well."

Coopersville

Coach: Kristy Ellis, third
year

Conference: O-K Blue

2007-08: Fifth in conference

Top returners: Seniors Staci Lothschutz, Danielle Portfleet,
Emily Klein and Diana Bosman

Newcomers: Freshmen Sierra Styf-Shook, Jenny Krey, Anna
Hilton and Jessica Klein

Outlook: The Broncos already
have all three rounds of their routine in, which puts them ahead of last
year.

Coach's comment: "Last
year at this time we didn't have our round three in, but this year we
are done with everything and that is going to help."

Key date: Jan. 7 at Forest
Hills Northern