Cheer team wants to finish on positive note

Thursday,
March 03, 2005

By Dean
Holzwarth

The Grand Rapids Press

The Caledonia competitive
cheer team isn't projected to make it out of this weekend's talent-packed Class
A regional at Jenison, which includes a trio
of state-ranked teams.

But that's not going to
prevent senior Leslee Haisma
and her Fighting Scots teammates from capping the season with a positive
outing.

"We know that it's not
going to be easy to go up against the competition that is going to be there,
but we just want to go out on a really good note," Haisma
said. "We want to show everyone how much we've improved and how good of a
team we are."

The
Fighting Scots have definitely shown improvement this season under first-year
and former Grandville cheerleader Heidi Snoap.

At last Saturday's Tier 2
conference meet at Comstock Park, Caledonia
placed fourth with a three-round total of 650.5 and was less than 20 points
behind third-place Kenowa Hills.

"I had third place in
my hopes, but a fourth-place finish was a really good accomplishment for this
team," Snoap said.

Snoap, who's accompanied by assistant
coach Kayla Huberty, has brought her prior expertise
and experience from competing on a perennial state contender with her in an
attempt to bring the program to the next level.

"I couldn't be any
happier with this season and I think these girls have done things beyond their
wildest dreams," Snoap said. "They've
stepped up in stunting and jumping and gymnastics. They've earned some respect
and have been noticed by other teams, judges and coaches. We're trying to build
something here. this year has been a good start."

© 2005 Grand Rapids Press. Used
with permission