With a large group of talented and enthusiastic freshmen joining the squad this year, a young Hope cheerleading squad is looking forward to an exciting season cheering on the Flying Dutchmen.

After serving as assistant coach last year, Mark Haskin ‘09, joins long-time coach Wes Wooley ‘89 as co-coach to share the coaching responsibilities. Mark was a cheerleading co-captain at Hope and was voted Most Valuable on the 2008-09 squad that placed 1st in the coed college division at the Midwest Open National Championship, sponsored by COA in Columbus, Ohio. Mark’s experience and leadership made him an obvious choice to take on this role that has only been held by Wooley and his predicessor, Maxine DeBruyn, in the 43 year history of the modern era of cheerleading at Hope.

Elected as captains for football season are, sophomore, Karly Annett of Bloomfield Hills, Mich., junior, Olivia Haines of Gowen, Mich., and junior, Jonathan Yarranton of Muskegon, Mich. Joining the captains as talented and experienced returners are; sophomore, Taylor Berge of Johnsburg, Ill., sophomore, Taylor Votto of Ardmore, Penn., and last year’s most improved athlete, sophomore, Kevin Wonch of East Grand Rapids, Mich. With a young squad overall, the ability and leadership of these veterans will be integral to the squad’s sucess. Their dedication and example will be a valuable resource in maintaining the outstanding tradition of Hope cheerleading.

Exhibiting excellence in the classroom in 2010-2011, returning squad members, Taylor Berge and Kevin Wonch earned GPA’s equivalent to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.

This young squad has immense potential, and a promising future for the program for years to come.