Maroons
competitive cheer squad has 'high expectations' for year

Tuesday,
December 27, 2005

By Cris Greer

The Grand Rapids Press

HOLLAND -- All that is left for the young
Holland Christian competitive cheer program to accomplish is a Class B state
championship.

Last year, co-coach Peggy Lintemuth's team missed first place in the state to
Ovid-Elsie by 3.5 points. The Maroons scored 702 points, while Ovid-Elsie had
705.5.

"We had a very successful
year, and we hope to have the same this year," said Lintemuth,
who is in her fourth year at Holland Christian, her 19th year coaching
overall. "We have a great group of girls and they're all working very
hard. They're all excited to get out on the floor."

"They gave their best
performance of the year at the state finals."

Lintemuth's daughter, Beth, who co-coaches
with her, said the team has "high expectations" this year.

She said six players had graduated from
last year's squad, but several experienced members have returned. Eleven of
the 19 teammates are returnees.

The Maroons include five seniors,
eight juniors, two sophomores and four freshmen.

The seniors are Clare Carbonaro, Darlene Draisma, Meg
Evenhouse, Cathy Hoitenga
and Abbey Zwagerman. Juniors include Krissie Bartels, Ashley Baumann, Anna Genzink,
Liz Lambers, Katlyn
Prince, Katie Prins, Meg Vogelzang
and Sarah Woodwyk.

The sophomores are Charlotte Oonk and Courtney Petroelje,
while the freshmen include Samantha Klaasen (ninth
in Division 2 in diving), Brittani Slenk, Katelyn VerHage and Kelly Marsman.

"Our new kids are really
fantastic," said Peggy Lintemuth, who was
voted Coach of the Year in 2004 by the Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of
Michigan.

"I would like to see them
continue to improve throughout the season, get as high of scores as possible
and see where that takes us. I'm looking for a peak performance at the
finals. These are just really good kids."

The Maroons' first meet is Jan. 5
at Reeths-Puffer.