Kenowa
Hills third at Division 2 competitive cheer finals

Cris Greer | The Grand Rapids Press, March 7,
2009

GRAND RAPIDS -- Kenowa Hills competitive cheer
coach Brenda Looks and senior captain Casey Viilo
said the team is on an upward journey in the state.

The Knights completed another big
step in that journey with a third-place finish in the Division 2 state finals
Saturday at the DeltaPlex.

Kenowa Hills scored a total of
778.0936 points (221.9000, 239.2936 and 316.9000). Gibraltar Carlson won the
state championship with 807.1184 points, followed by Mount Pleasant, Kenowa Hills, Allen Park, Ortonville Brandon, Dearborn
Divine Child, Grand Rapids Christian and Mason.

"They were just a phenomenal
team this year," said Looks, whose Knights placed sixth last year.
"They've worked really hard and broke two records today in Round 3 and
our overall score. We're really happy. They were amazing.

"We knew we were up against
some very good teams so were hoping to finish in the top five and we
did."

Looks said they upped the ante
this season.

"This year we tried making
everything a little bit more difficult and it paid off," said Looks, in
her fourth year. "We are very happy."

Viilo said it has been a great, long
journey.

"Our team pulled it together
and finally stepped up and proved who we are," Viilo
said. "It was amazing. If everyone sticks together, we can eventually
get first. There's no doubt about it."

Looks agreed.

"We have a lot of girls
coming back next year and we'll shoot for first," Looks said.
"Hopefully, maybe in the next year or two. We'll continue to up our
level and ability. We're getting there."

Grand Rapids Christian coach
Jacquie DeJonge was pleased with her team's second
trip to the state finals and likes what the future holds.

"We're really happy that
we're here and one of the top eight teams," said DeJonge,
whose Eagles placed seventh with 758.4272 points.