PUBLISHED:
Friday, March 10, 2006

Cheerleading teams have different
expectations in finals

By DREW ELLIS

Sun Sports Writer

Three teams, three different expectations.

At Saturday's competitive cheer state finals,
there are three local teams, each with different feelings heading into their
respective championship.

In Class C/D, Breckenridge is the odds on favorite to win its
third-straight championship and sixth title in seven years.

Mt. Pleasant, in Class A, is just happy to be
there, and a long shot to win the state championship.

Then, in Class B, Chippewa Hills is considered a front runner,
but the title is definitely up for grabs between a number
of teams.

Coming off a fourth place finish in 2005, the Warriors enter
the state finals with the second highest regional score of any team in the
finals with a score of 725. The only team that was better was Chesaning, who
defeated Chippewa Hills in the regional with a 726.5.

"We had the highest scoring regional, but there is a lot
that goes into that," Warrior coach Jenna Ruddell
said. "Each region had different judges that score differently. I
definitely think scores will be lower at the finals, and that there will be a
number of teams in contention."

Ruddell's Warriors have
battled back-and-forth with Chesaning all season for the No. 1 ranking, but
the Indians have, as of now, the last laugh. Chippewa Hills and Chesaning are
certainly the favorites in class B along with Gull Lake
and Holland Christian.

"We feel confident," Ruddell
added. "We have the experience from last year to work with. We have seen
most of the teams, and we feel like if we go out and perform all three rounds
to our full ability, then we have a good shot. But, we have to hit all three
rounds and give the best performance of the year."

While the Warriors may not win a state title, Breckenridge
won't be happy unless it does.

The Huskies scored a 731.5 at regional, beating any other
finals qualifier by over 20 points. Pewamo-Westphalia was Breckenridge's
closest competition with 708.4, but the Pirates are likely to finish
runner-up for the third straight year.

"We are confident and like where we are, but we are not
taking anything for granted," Huskie coach Deb
Gaines said. "We hope to continue to win, but we know there are some
tough teams we will face Saturday."

P-W has the only state title in the last seven years that the
Huskies didn't win, giving the Huskies motivation to continue to work hard
this week in order to keep their dynasty going.

"I think the girls know that this program will be
remembered for a long time," Gaines said. "I am very proud of all
of them, they continue to work hard and still respond to my tactics. We hope
we can continue to win and build on the program, and hope others feel like we
did something special."

The finals kick off with Class A, where Mt. Pleasant
makes its return appearance after falling just short of qualifying last
season. The Oilers are not considered a favorite for the title with perennial
champions Rochester
and Grandville viewed as the cream of the crop.