When the music stopped and the scores flashed across the screen, the emotions said it all. Tears, hugs, and pure joy filled the mat at Comstock Park as the Whitehall Vikings realized their season wasn’t over. In competitive cheer, every tenth of a point matters, every stunt must hit, and every round can change your fate. That’s why we’re highlighting these teams — because what happened at districts wasn’t just about scores. It was about grit, redemption, and programs across West Michigan proving they belong on the regional stage.
Hart Earns Sixth Straight Regional Bid
The Hart Varsity Competitive Cheer team is headed back to regionals — and they’re doing it in historic fashion.
For the sixth consecutive year, the Lady Pirates are advancing, proving once again that consistency, discipline, and heart define this program.
Competing in a stacked 12-team Division 3 district at Comstock Park, only the top four teams earned the right to continue their season. Hart rose to the occasion, capturing third place with a season-high total score of 686.2 — their best overall performance of the year.
The Pirates came out strong in Round 1 with a 208.4 and held their ground all night. Even after a 10-point penalty in Round 2, they stayed composed and refused to let it shake their focus. They closed the meet with a powerful 284.5 in Round 3, locking in their regional berth well ahead of the cutoff score.
Out of 12 talented teams, Hart proved they belong among the elite.
This regional appearance adds to what has already been a celebration-filled season for the Pirates, who recently secured a West Michigan Conference co-championship — marking seven straight years finishing atop the league standings.
Now, the focus shifts forward.
The Lady Pirates will compete at Hudsonville High School next Saturday at 10 a.m. as they look to keep their postseason run alive.
Six straight years.
A season-high performance.
And a team that refuses to back down.
Whitehall Clutches Up, Advances to Regionals
Whitehall delivered when it mattered most at the Division 3 district meet at Comstock Park, storming back in the final round to capture fourth place and punch its ticket to regionals.
The Vikings finished with 656.12 points, edging fifth-place Grand Rapids Catholic Central by 9.72 points. They entered the final round sitting in fifth place after an uneven Round 2 score of 175.92, which included a 10-point penalty. But the team responded in dramatic fashion.
Whitehall exploded for 285.1 points in Round 3 — the second-highest score of the round, just two points behind district champion Comstock Park. That performance vaulted them into the top four.
The top four teams advanced to regionals:
- Comstock Park – 706.90
- Grand Rapids West Catholic – 705.66
- Hart – 686.20
- Whitehall – 656.12
Regionals will take place Saturday at 3 p.m. at Hudsonville High School.
Adding to the West Michigan Conference celebration, North Muskegon Norse Cheer, as district runner-up in their division, is also regional bound. Come show your support next Saturday in Hudsonville!
Reeths-Puffer Soars in Division 2
Reeths-Puffer delivered a powerful performance at the Division 2 district in Cedar Springs, finishing third with 729.5 points — just 12 behind the district champion.
The Rockets dominated Round 2 with a meet-best 210.9 score, and their 299.1 in Round 3 sealed their regional qualification. They will compete at Forest Hills Northern on Feb. 28.
Shelby Secures Regional Spot
Shelby placed fourth at the Division 4 district at Montabella, scoring 633.16 points to earn its regional berth.
The Tigers were steady across all three rounds and avoided penalties entirely — a key factor in building enough of a cushion to hold off Marion for the final qualifying spot.
Regionals for Shelby will also take place at Hudsonville on Feb. 28.
Fruitport Aims to End Regional Drought
While several area teams are celebrating district success, Fruitport is preparing for its biggest test yet.
The Trojans continue to dominate the O-K Silver Conference, capturing their third consecutive conference championship with a clean sweep of all three league jamborees. They capped the run with a thrilling comeback at the final conference meet at Comstock Park, posting a huge 297 in Round 3 to win by 15 points. All three round scores that night were season highs.
Now the Trojans turn their focus to districts at Cedar Springs, where 14 teams will compete and only the top four advance.
They haven’t qualified for regionals since 2019, but this year feels different.
Fruitport has come painfully close in recent seasons, finishing fifth last year. This time, the hunger is stronger.
The Road Ahead
Competitive cheer is one of the most demanding sports in high school athletics. Three rounds. Precision timing. Zero room for error. And only four spots to move on.
For Whitehall, Hart, Reeths-Puffer, Shelby, and North Muskegon, the journey continues at regionals. For Fruitport, the opportunity to break through awaits.
One thing is certain, West Michigan competitive cheer is showing up when the lights are brightest.
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