Zeeland West competitive cheer makes regionals for first time in program history
ZEELAND - The Zeeland West competitive cheer team made history this week by qualifying for regionals for the first time in program history.
The Dux finished second in districts to qualify. The top four teams advanced.
"This is a huge accomplishment for our program as this is the first time in school history for Zeeland to have a team make it to regionals for competitive cheer. It is making a statement for our program and the sport of competitive cheer within the district," Zeeland West coach Emillie Gort said.
It was especially satisfying because the Dux were so close last year but came up just short.
"When I came in to coach last year we set a goal to make it to regionals and missed that goal by five points," Gort said. "After being so close the girls made it their mission this year to make it to regionals and they did just that. This group of girls have been together since June working to improve their skills and stunting so that they didn’t have to feel that same disappointment as last year."
More: Zeeland West's Delaney Howe is Competitive Cheerleader of Year
The Dux scored 216 in the first round, 203.66 in the second round and 302.2 in round three for a total of 721.86. The total was second place behind Muskegon Reeths-Puffer's 735.82. Forest Hills Northern and Northview also advanced. Zeeland East finished 114th with 557.
"Going into round three we knew our girls had to have a solid round, in fact, they needed to achieve their highest round three score of the season," Gort said. "No bobbles, no mistakes, perfect execution. With a strong veteran team with stunting experience, we knew this was possible. They went out there and did just that to secure their spot in the top four."
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Zeeland West competitive cheer makes regionals for first time
