Hudonsville’s Vu now helps lead cheers

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

By Dean
Holzwarth

The Grand Rapids Press

As a
freshman on the competitive cheer team, Bekkah Vu
was undoubtedly overwhelmed.

Vu was one of five freshmen on Hudsonville's squad last season, and
experienced the common anxiety that comes with competing with upperclassmen
for the first time.

"It was really intimidating because I didn't know anyone and everyone
was older," Vu said. "But I'm actually glad that I did it because I
got to know everyone on the team, instead of hanging out with only a few
people."

The older girls took Vu under their wing immediately, and showed her the
ropes.

"They looked out for me because I was younger, and they gave me
advice," Vu said. "When I did something wrong, they didn't yell at
me. They just told me it was OK, and do this instead. They were very nice
about it."

A year of experience built Vu's confidence level, and now, as a sophomore,
she's ready to help the Eagles take the next step in building a successful
program.

"I feel more comfortable, and all of my friends were pulled up so I know
everyone," Vu said. "There are a couple of people back from last
season, but a lot of the girls from my grade are on the team. It's going to
be fun."

Vu, who also competed in middle school, has impressed Hudsonville coach
Amanda Cooper with her work ethic.

"She was on the varsity as a freshman, and she was very deserving of
that," Cooper said. "She is a hard worker and she holds herself to
such a high standard."

Vu also has competed on the sideline cheer team. She's been on the sidelines
for varsity football games the past two years.

As she switches from sideline to competitive, the differences are apparent.

"I actually like doing them both," Vu said. "Sideline is laid
back and you don't have to worry about competing every weekend, but I like
going to competitions and competing and seeing other teams."

The Eagles finished among the O-K Red Conference's top teams a year ago, and
are hoping for repeat success.

"I think we have a lot of potential, and we've come so far in the last
few years," Vu said. "We want to continue to grow and build as a
program."

Hudsonville

·
Coach: Amanda Cooper, fourth year

·
Conference: O-K Red

·
2007-08: Fourth in conference

·
Top returners: Seniors Marissa Herring, Leilani
Tanis, Brooke Herr and Lizzy Chambers and
sophomores Lindsey Herring, Bekkah Vu, Heather
Clark and Kaitlin McShosh

·
Outlook: The Eagles are young with 15 freshmen and sophomores, but
they're hoping to build on last season's success.

·
Coach's comment: "One of our major goals is to land 14 back-tucks
in round 2, and also elevate our stunting level to do more elite stunts.
There's definitely a lot of potential, and they definitely need to keep
working hard and improve week to week."

·
Key date: District meet at Rockford