Ben Murphy

Sports Scene

 

With a roster of 26 girls, the John Glenn pompon team focused on a simple mentality to win the class B state championship at the Breslin Center on Feb. 8.

“One team, one heart, one love,” third-year head coach Shelby Anderson said of her team’s success. “I love these 26 as if they were my own daughters. They are all kind, beautiful, and intelligent young women. We truly are a family, as our season runs nine months out of the year… No matter what has happened outside of practice, these 26 enter the floor as one unit.”

On top of their on-court success, the Bobcats have also combined for one of the highest team GPAs at the school, are volunteers at the Dow Bay Area Family YMCA, and won numerous other awards at invitationals throughout the year.

“This team has been so successful because of their drive, dedication, and perseverance,” Anderson said. “This team wants to be pushed the extra mile. They want to do the work, and they wanted there to be no regrets.”

Not only did they want to be better than the competition, but the Bobcats also wanted to be better than themselves.

“Our team motto is ‘Beat John Glenn,’ ” Anderson said . “Many heard this and thought it was a dare or an arrogant statement, but it was actually about being our personal best each time. We decided that worrying about everyone else would not help us win. We needed to respect our competitors and their strengths and work on our own weaknesses and focus if we wanted to show the world what these 26 athletes were made of and capable of.”

Seniors on the championship team were Kelly Carmien, Miranda Johnson, Kelsey Kukla, Emily Landry, Bailley Lowell, and Nicole Reich.

“Carmien is an amazing leader, listener ,and peacekeeper in our family,” Anderson said. “Johnson has as much dedication and heart as the day is long. Kukla has great jumps and a kind heart. Landry has sharp form and the ability to relate to anyone. Lowell has the motivational speaking skills of a pro, and Reich is creative and always thinking outside the box.”

Juniors on the team are Caitlyn Doran, Samantha Gerken, Stacie Kussro, Lexi Rau, Courtney Rezmer, and Allison Vlk.

“Doran is willing to help anyone and always has a random fact of the day to keep the team smiling,” Anderson said. “Gerken is a sweetheart and is like a big sister to all members. Kussro has strong athletic ability and has extreme dedication and leadership. Rau is a perfectionist and also our class clown; she can break any tense moment with her wit. Rezmer has great showmanship and the ability to cut any tension with a quick random story and a giggle, and Vlk can learn extremely fast and has great form and a huge heart.”

Sophomores on the team are Katelynn Barber, Molly Carmien, Brittney Frost, Briana Krayscir, Sydney Kukla, Alisha Lodewyk, Miranda Powell, Haleigh Reed, and Alex Steff.

“Barber has been out due to an injury but has supported her team and is always there to listen and console,” Anderson said. “Carmien has a huge smile and a whole lot of power. Frost is a friend to to all and always puts the team first. Krayscir has battled injuries but has stayed positive and supported the team the whole way.

“Kukla has great skills and a kind heart; she is very polite and a hard worker,” Anderson added. “Lodewyk captivates the audience with her spirit and her performance skills. Powell has a lot of flair and personality on the floor, with great showmanship and skill. Reed has kicks that are out of this world; her height makes her easy to spot, but her skill is what makes her stand out, and Steff is one of the hardest workers; she does not quit until it is right and is always listening.”

Freshmen on the team are Kimmie Cnudde, Brooke Gillespie, Carlie McCarthy, Lauren Rivet, and Alexis Zimmerman.

“Cnudde always had words of wisdom for the team, she takes every critique to heart and dedicates herself to be the best she can be for her team,” Anderson said. “Gillespie has a spitfire personality and drive. McCarthy has dedication and poise; she is always ready to go and is prepared. Rivet may be tiny, but she has a lot of heart, she is always working when she has a moment to spare to ensure she has everything right. Zimmerman is shy and sweet; that being said, it all falls away when she hits the floor and she performs with no qualms.”

The Bobcats hope that this year’s success continues into the future, and with a roster that will boast plenty of familiar faces next season, the coach doesn’t see any reason why it can’t. 

“The Glenn pompon program has been around for decades, and it stays strong because of the dedication and love these young women have for each other and the respect they have for this sport,” Anderson said. “The team knows what is expected of them, and they work hard to keep the proud tradition alive. With the support from their families, friends, and mine as well, we have kept alive the spirit that has fueled the Bobcat athletics for years.”