After a brief slip down to second place last week at Reeths-Puffer, the Fruitport competitive cheer team returned to the top of the standings on Saturday with a first-place finish at their home invitational tournament.

The Trojans finished with a score of 699.46, ahead of second-place Mason County Central (684.88).

Fruitport was at its best in Round 1 (execution) with a 220.10 score and Round 3 (stunts) with a 283.30. The Trojans lagged a bit behind in Round 2 (overall skills) with a 196.06.

The Trojans have now finished in first place in six of their seven events this season.

“The team really showed all of the work they are putting in,” said Fruitport Coach Saqora Conklin. “We know how important the season is getting, with conference finals on Wednesday and districts coming up in two weeks. They are fighting for it every practice and it shows on the competition mat!”

Conklin credited sophomore Ella Sparks, saying “She competed for the first time for our varsity team in Round 1 today! She worked so hard to learn that spot and earned her time on the mat. She did amazing today!”

The coach also gave a shoutout for six seniors – Mackenzie Turpin, Savanna Anderson, Emily Wahr, Zoe Grammar, Chloee Kroening and Allie Sullivan

“They have put so much work into this program and they show how much of a legacy they are leaving behind every day,” Conklin said. “I’m so proud of their leadership and the amazing student-athletes they are!”