Grand Rapids Christian’s Hoogewind dives right into cheer

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Grand Rapids Press

By Dean Holzwarth

Grand
Rapids Christian senior Carrie Hoogewind
contributed to all parts of the Eagles' swimming and diving team.

Hoogewind played a dual role by doing both --
swimming and diving -- in the same season.

"I did it for the first time last year, and it's just about laying out
practice time evenly between the two," Hoogewind
said. "At most meets, I would swim three events and then diving would
come."

Hoogewind competed in the 200 freestyle, and also
joined her teammates on the 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle relay teams.

After a season of swimming and diving as a junior, this fall was not as
demanding.

"It was a lot easier because I knew how to handle it more and it was
easier to concentrate," Hoogewind said.
"It was kind of difficult when I started doing it, because I had the
nerves of diving, and then I had to focus on swimming. The more I got used to
it, the easier it became."

Hoogewind dove at regionals
but did not advance to the state final. She competed at the state finals as a
swimmer and helped the 400 relay team finish 14th.

"Overall, my diving season was good, so I wasn't too disappointed with
not going to state," Hoogewind said. "I
was then able to focus on swimming and doing well at state and helping my
team swim fast."

Hoogewind now is making the transition to
competitive cheer. She has been on the varsity since she was a freshman.

Hoogewind missed the first two weeks of practice
because of swim commitments but is looking forward to returning to the mat as
a flyer.

"I'm excited. I missed my entire team," she said.

The Eagles' cheer team made their first appearance at last year's Division 2
state finals and placed fifth. They are looking to prove they are not a
one-year wonder.

"We worked so hard last year, and it was the perfect ending to a really
good season," Hoogewind said. "We're
showing a lot of promise this year, and we want to show people that last year
wasn't a fluke. We want to prove to everyone that we're here to stay."

Grand Rapids Christian

·
Coach: Jacquie DeJonge, 14th year

·
Conference: O-K White

·
2007-08: Regional runners-up, fifth in Division 2 state finals

·
Top returners: Seniors Kayla DeVries, Kate Devoogd, Kate Bykerk, Carrie Hoogewind, Jacqueline Bos and Jhenna Challah

·
Outlook: The Eagles competed at last season's state finals for the
first time in school history. The loss of just three seniors has them poised
for a second trip.

·
Coach's comment: "We should have a strong team based on our
returning athletes."

·
Key date: Jan. 17, Eagle Invitational