Allegan
cheer team finishes seventh in Class B

By Jason Wesseldyk

Sports Editor

Wednesday, March 15, 2006 10:09 AM EST

GRAND RAPIDS-For the second
consecutive year, the Allegan competitive cheer team earned a seventh-place
finish in the Class B state finals.

The Tigers, who qualified for the state finals for the third straight season,
accumulated 677.8 points at the DeltaPlex Saturday, 55.7
points being the winning total of state champ Remus Chippewa Hills.

Allegan coach Pam Ingles said she was fully aware of the level of talent her
team would be facing.

"We knew going into the competition that it would be very though this
year," Ingles said. "The skill level and gymnastics continue to
rise every year."

Through the first two rounds, Allegan found itself in fourth place. But as its done from the start of the season, round three caused
the Tigers some difficulties.

Allegan made a mistake on a stunt, which resulted in the loss of some
execution points.

It didn't help matters
that they had to replace a base in a stunt group three weeks ago and were
still trying to adjust to the change.

"I felt the girls did a good job in round one and round two,"
Ingles said. "Round three was still our weakest round, as it's been
throughout the season. We actually had a really good round three at practice Friday, we just didn't do the same thing in the actual
competition."

With 10 athletes set to return next season, Ingles believes the Tigers' run
of success can continue. But before looking to far ahead, she wanted to take
time to remember the contributions made by the team's five seniors, including
four-year performer Sana Lanbra.

"I've had the privilege of watching Sana grow and mature as an athlete, a
student and a person," Ingles said. "She has been a tremendous help
to this team as far as being a leader. The other girls look up to her and ask
for her help, especially with tumbling."

Three-year varsity athlete Chelsie Kraft, Ashley
Morgan, Theresa Tavoian and Marissa Moekler are the other seniors.