John Raffel
Sports Scene
Charlotte and Lakewood both displayed their talents in the Division 3 competitive cheer meet.
Lakewood’s final score was 751.22 for fifth place. The Vikings finished behind Pontiac Notre Dame (776.48), Richmond (771.50), Monroe Jefferson (764.88) and Flat Rock (757.32). Charlotte was sixth at 749.36.
“I thought we had three solid rounds today,” Viking coach Kim Martin said. “You want to finish on a big note and this is the best finish we’ve had at the state finals, the best placing. Before, we’ve never finished higher than sixth place. This was the fifth out of the last six years. We’ve been here a few times and it’s our best performance with a very young team.”
The only seniors are Maddy Beimers, Katelynn Kietzman, Kyley Maurer, Anna Twitchell and Ali Wheeler.
Martin said the team had one of its better third rounds, which features mounts.
“When you get to the state finals, you’re one of the best teams in the state,” Martin said. “It’s a great experience for the girls. You’re here with the best of the best.”
Charlotte coach Yvonne Ridge would gladly concur.
“We did awesome,” Ridge said. “It’s our first year in Division 3. They brought the energy and did a great job. We’ll be stronger next year.”
Charlotte was in Division 2 last year and took sixth.
“The competition was about the same (in both divisions). We highly met our expectations. We have 10 freshmen on our team and only one senior.”
They’re 10 reasons why she’s looking forward to 2019.
The only senior for Charlotte was Lilly Taylor. Juniors were Mackenzie Bleisch, Mady Conklin, Charis Demello, Karlie Hicks, Morgan Seavolt and Lauen Wietzke. Sophomores are Erica Brock, Kenzie Galinis, Haley Hoyt, Zaraya Newth, Christeny Pena and Lynsey Peters. Freshmen were Alaysha Cannon, Sadie Earegood, Sydney Foster, Ellie Lundy, Macy Mauk, Maggie Miller, Julia Phillips, McKenna Sine, Megan Treadwell and Kaylynn Weaver.