Brethren cheer team progressing despite low numbers - Manistee News Advocate

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BRETHREN — For the Brethren cheer team, this season has been anything but smooth sailing.

"We've only been to one competition so far," said coach Deb Maxey. "With COVID and sick kids and being closed — you know how that goes."

Numbers are down for the Bobcats this year, meaning the role of wily veteran falls to freshman Kinsey Krows.

"We are down to four girls on the team now. We started out with 10, but we're down to four because of health issues and different things going on," Maxey said. "I think the girl with the most experience is our freshman who cheered for three years in middle school (Krows). ... She is the captain."

In competition, Brethren incurs a penalty for only have four cheerleaders.

"Because we can't put out the mandated number of six (cheerleaders), we start Round 2 with a 10-point deficit," Maxey said.

With the low numbers and limited experience, the Bobcats are competing as a junior varsity team this season. The Bobcats showed they are building for a bright future in a home meet on Jan. 22.

"They did get first place at our competition," Maxey said. "... It was our 31st annual competition."

Every year Maxey tells her team the goal is to improve every time they step on the mat. Though Brethren has only competed once, Maxey said she can see the girsl' hard work is paying off.

"We've only had the one competition, but they have improved greatly at practice, so we're hopeful," Maxey said.

The Bobcats may have a busy week ahead of them, as the team is scheduled to compete in the Marion Invitation on Tuesday before hosting a home meet at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

"We have eight teams coming so far," Maxey said.