John Raffel
Sports Scene
DeWitt’s competitive cheer squad took fifth place at the Division 2 state final on March 5 at the Deltaplex I in Comstock Park. Gibraltar Carlson took first place at 786.26 followed by Allen Park (777.62), Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills (774.80), Dearborn Divine Child (771.42), DeWitt (771.26), Trenton (764.72), Mona Shores (759.00) and Richland Gull Lake (742.14).
“We are thrilled,” DeWitt coach Candace Heskitt said. “We couldn’t be happier. There’s always room for improvement, even down to the 11th hour. But at some point, you have to go out there and say ‘let’s go out there and have a great time and put on a great show.’”
Heskitt was happy with her team’s effort in all three rounds.
“It’s been four months,” she said. “For them to have their best day of the season at state finals, you can’t ask for more.”
Cheering for the Panthers were Corrine Baker, Avery Braman, Grace Colarossi, Brianna Cooney, Payton Daggy, Alexis Dalessandro, Ashley Dumont, Erika England, Shilee Gamble, Kallin Greenhoe, Lauren Hasse, Allie Hegerfeld, Hannah Heinritz, Macy Hendershot, Jennalyn Jubeck, Daisy Manzer, Emma Molitor, Trinity Pung, Mackenzie Smith, Shaylee Snyder, Olivia Townsend, Elizabeth VanDerWoude, Brook Wandle, Amanda Woodworth and Elizabeth Zunker.
“We’re happy,” Heskett said. “Everybody’s going for the trophy. We’re happy with a great performance.”
DeWitt was state runners-up last season and returns 21 girls next season.
OVID ELSIE
Ovid Elsie took third place in Division 3 at the state meet. Taking first was Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (775.48), followed by Richmond (765.86), Ovid Elsie (757.44), Monroe Jefferson (755.34), Comstock Park (753.52), Lake Odessa Lakewood (751.92), Paw Paw (746.26) and Escanaba (732.26).
Cheering for the Marauders, coached by Katie Calverley, were Madison Baese, Leah Batora, Noelle Braker, Alexis Bushard, Riley Caswell, Katie Davis, BreAnna Deming, Haley Godfrey, Alicia Grant, Porsch Grieder, Kiana Henning, Jadalyn Horak, Haley Johnson, Madison Kasson, Courtney Loynes, Kayla Melzer, Makenna Vincent, Aubrey Warren and Sara Wilber.
Cheering for Lakewood, coached by Kim Martin and Renee Carigon, were Tequila Bautista, Madelynn Beimers, Carley Bennett, Riley Eggers, Bryeana Littlefield, Taylor MacKenzie, Kyley Maurer, Dixie Moorman, Samantha Morrison, Madison Mussehl, Kendall Rooks, Alyssa Sandborn, Trista Shattuck, Sierra Stoepker, Kailey Stube, Ann Twitchell, Haley VanValkenburg, Alexandra Wheeler and McKenzie White.
FARWELL
Farwell was eighth in Division 4 with 711.88.
Cheering for the Eagles, coached by Taylor Bryant were Abby Elkins, Brianna McQuiston, Morgan VantHull, Lexi Andreas, DruAne Marsh, Morgan Nester, Brooke Pritchard, Kelsey Jones, Aleesha McCurry, Michelle Boyd, Reagan Douglas, Halaina Laverty and Kelsey Seiter.