By John Raffel
Danyel Prielipp wears many hats as superintendent and elementary principal at Marion schools.
But she is also coach of a well establish competitive cheer program with high hopes for another strong year.
Practices began in mid-November with the Eagles hoping to have as much success in 2023-24 as they did in 2022-23.
“We had several first place finishes and we qualified for the MHSAA state regional tournament,” Prielipp said, adding key graduates included Lizzy Fouch and Chiara Starpi. “Each girl had immense dedication.
Athletes for this season are: Jennifer Fouch, Lila Krchmar, Taylor Kruse, Aaliyah Nealey, Ellie Pearson, Lila Prielipp, Malley Raymond, J’Lynn Schoonmaker, Madison Sutten, Shawntay VanBuskirk and Ella Wilson–all returners.
“These girls work well together and are extremely dedicated,” Prielipp said. “Many have elite tumbling skills and can stunt well together. My expectation is that they continue to improve.
We expect to make a run in the MHSAA postseason competitions.”
Tumbling, stunting and voices will be team strengths, Prielipp indicated. But her girls will need to work on tight motions, formation placement and team coordination with stunting;
Kylie Adams, Ashley Lewis, Kloie Pefferman and Austin Sandelius are new to the team this year.
The season begins at Shepherd on Dec. 9. The Marion Invitational is on Dec. 13.