The Fruitport competitive cheer squad would love to continue its domination of the O-K Silver conference by winning a third straight championship this season.

The Trojans got off to a good start in that direction last week, taking first place at the first conference jamboree of the season, held at Belding High School.

Fruitport finished with 701.84 points, followed by second-place Comstock Park (6784.76) and third-place Belding (663.8).

The Trojans scored a 222.4 in Round 1 (execution), a 170.04 in Round 2 (overall skills ) and a 299.4 in Round 3 (stunts).

“This week the team added a new stunt group into their Round 3 and changed most of their Round 1,” said Fruitport head coach Saqora Conklin. “So much change has been thrown at them this season, and the team has pushed their limits at every practice.

“Every single athlete on this team knows their role, and knows what’s best for the team. Every practice they support and encourage each other.”

Conklin offered special recognition for a new member of the team this season, freshman Kinley Rufener.

“Kinley is our only freshman this season, but she doesn’t let that stop her,” the coach said. “She works hard in and out of practice, constantly asking me what more she can do to better herself for the team. She has an incredible work ethic and we are lucky to have her!”

The Trojans did not fare quite so well on Saturday in non-conference action, however, finishing in fourth place at the Cedar Springs Invitational with 702.16 points.

Thornapple-Kellogg took first place with 732.40 points, followed by Cedar Springs and Reeths-Puffer. Forest Hills Northern finished fifth behind Fruitport.

The Trojans’ scores were up a bit in Round 1 (223.1) and Round 2 (201.76), but fell off in Round 3 (277.3).

“We knew we had some tough competition, but we threw three very strong rounds,” Coach Conklin said. “This team has been learning the ins and outs of the score sheet, and are fighting each practice to raise those scores.”