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"They're just babies . . . look at 'em . . . uh huh, potential",
Shairice said.
With Cindy adding the score sheets, Shairice and I went
over our notes after tryouts. Finally, around 12am the team was chosen and wow what a young team it was with 1-eight
grader, 1-seventh grader, 5-sixth graders, and 4-fifth graders.
Shairice and I talked about potential routines and formations
and everything, until it was almost 1am.
As we walked to our cars, she says, "loving you now and
seeing you later", like she always did. I said, "yeah, I'll see ya on Sunday".
With our car doors open and one foot in, she said, "I
love you, Suzzz" and I replied the same.
She smiled with excitement and said, "hmmmm . . . babies!"
I nodded in agreement and then we drove off.
I didn't see her on Sunday. Shairice was killed by a
drunk driver Saturday night.
Yeah, of course, Reece was coming to Lewis on Sunday for open gym
to stunt around and I thought about cancelling, but all I could hear her say was, "Shoooot, cheerleading's about business".
I called her mom and said I'd be right over. She said, "don't
you have like 10 kids coming to Lewis today . . . they're depending on you . . . and your brother's baseball double header before
that . . . come on . . . what would Shairice say?" And we said it at the same time, "Cheerleading's 'bout business".
Her mom told me to soak up those tears and get going. Life does not stop because of tragedy.
That Sunday, cheerleading recruits came to Lewis for open
gym, as planned. We threw up stunts and built some pyramids. This was their day to play with the team. I
think we even had a good ol' elbow-to-the-nose bleed that day! Some talented cheerleaders were at Lewis that day and
a few were with me for years!
With the help of Shairice's sister, Kel'ley, we had a routine for
Great America!
"Everybody's yellin', it's the news of the year . . . "
Kel'ley meant business - so what they're babies . . . "Let's do
it again, do what I do, Again!" I think she had them all crying on the first day! Much love and thanks for her
time and commitment! XOXOX . . . Muahhhh . . . K!
Ken and Suzi coached Shairice's team that year.
Here we are after qualifiying for State at Downer's Grove High School Regional.
Suzi and the team having some fun
at the Oak Forest Regional!
Here's Ken doing what he does best, entertaining the
kids at State!
CMS performs their State Competition Routine at Lewis University.
The team's "Number 1's" at the
Illinois State Cheerelading Championship
point up to you, Reece!
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