KENTWOOD – Wherever a varsity team, in any sport, elicits comparisons to the best-ever in program history, it usually involves a large contingent of seniors who are culminating lengthy careers in the program.
Such is the case with the East Kentwood competitive cheer team.
Nine experienced seniors grace the EK cheer roster this winter, and the Falcons are achieving unprecedented success thus far, winning seven of their first 10 meets, while recently securing the OK Red Conference championship.
“This season has been our most successful season in my 17 years at EK,” coach Stacy Geerts expressed. “The best thing about this team is, even with all of the success they have had, they have remained hungry and humble throughout the season. They come back to practice after each meet and work like they have never won.”
Much of that success is due to the leadership of their nine seniors, starting with tri-captains Kylie Dunn, Sophie Bensyl, and Ciara Green.
Dunn recently was awarded a $1,500 scholarship at the Lake Michigan Competitive Cheer Officials Association (LMCCOA) meet, while also receiving the Elayna Durso Award, in honor of the cheer official who lost her fight to breast cancer this season.
Dunn and Bensyl are both planning to attend Grand Valley State University next year. Dunn will be cheering and taking Pre-Med courses, while Bensyl will major in Business Administration. Green will study Sports Management, but is still undecided on her next school.
Senior bases Dunn and Sophia Teremi, and senior back-spot Macy Brown comprise an exceptional stunt group, with Autumn Burns as flyer. Teremi and Brown are both third-year varsity performers, and Brown competes in all three rounds.
“This is our most experienced stunt group on the mat. They have such natural talent and strength, it makes for an awesome group to watch compete,” Geerts said.
Senior back-spot Trinitee Bradshaw is an exceptional leader for another outstanding stunt group that includes Green, power-base Shayna Nelson, and flyer Trinity Nery, the younger sister of Maritoni Nery, a four-year performer who helped the Falcons to a Division 1 regional title in 2014.
Another third-year varsity veteran, J’nya Kendell plans to cheer and major in English at Davenport University. Teremi, Bradshaw, and Ayo Ifaturoti all plan to study Business in college, Brown will study Communications, and Anasia Arellano-Arias will pursue a degree in Athletic Training.
“Each of our seniors brings a different strength to the mat when we perform. With nine seniors on the team, the confidence and floor presence make a big difference,” Geerts said. “With the nine seniors and the other 15 athletes on the team, it makes for an amazing combination of explosive energy and power when they take the floor.
“It is not easy to convey to the athletes how to compete with fierce energy, but this group of seniors does just that. They do an outstanding job of exuding confidence on the mat, and they have done an excellent job of teaching the rest of the team how to show off that same energy.”
Geerts said her current 24-member squad accomplishes more in each practice than any team she has ever coached.
“They do a great job of trusting us coaches and our decisions on what we want to change and do differently, and they go after it with every ounce of energy and effort they can,” added Geerts, who is assisted by Alona Blake and Geerts' sister, Stephanie Stevenson.
“Each and every day, they blow my mind with their work ethic, strength, and athleticism.”
East Kentwood will host perhaps the most competitive Division 1 district meet in the state, Feb. 17. Despite the loaded field of cheer teams, these high-flying Falcons would have to be deemed the favorite going into that meet.
“It is a highlight for me each and every day I get to work with these amazing athletes. I am humbled and honored that I am so fortunate to be able stand in front of these athletes and say that I am their coach.
“To make a difference in their day -- and have them make a difference in mine -- is a true blessing.”