Gull Lake posts area's top Class B finish; Colon leads
way in Class C

Sunday,
March 12, 2006

By Alan
Gerould

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388-8400

WALKER -- In a sport where the difference
between first and fifth place can be determined by a slip in a landing, Gull Lake
needed perfection to win the state championship in competitive cheer.

But on Saturday at the DeltaPlex,
three other teams were just a little better.

Chippewa Hills turned in a flawless
performance to earn 733.5 points and the title of Class B state champion.
Chesaning (728) and Holland Christian (712.1) also finished ahead of Gull Lake
(691.3).

Allegan, in fourth place after two
rounds, finished seventh (677.8).

``I knew that we would
have to have our best performance in all three rounds to win it,'' said Gull
Lake senior Molli Balcom,
who along with fellow senior captain Emily Gesmundo
has been a four-year varsity starter.

``I and the rest of the
girls feel that we saved our best for last.''

Gull Lake coach Julie Johnson, who has been
coaching the team since its inception in 1994, said, ``I couldn't be prouder
of these girls and the effort they've put forth. We definitely gave it our
best effort. Unfortunately tonight that wasn't good enough."

``It was an amazing
feeling to come off the floor after the third round, knowing that you've left
it all out there,'' Gesmundo said. ``But I have to
give Chippewa Hills credit. They are an awesome
team.''

Allegan coach Pamela
Ingles viewed her team's performance as a learning experience.

``We have 10 girls coming
back next year and they will benefit from this experience. I am sure we will
be improved,'' she said.

In Class C/D, Colon and Gobles
finished fifth and sixth, respectively, as powerhouse Breckenridge dominated
the championship with 708 points.

``We're in our first year
and we are experiencing some growing pains, but we will back,'' said Gobles
coach Loriann Harbaugh.