HONORING CREAN LUTHERAN: Stunt team showed dedication and teamwork

Members of the Crean Lutheran stunt team gathered for a picture before the season. Front row: Taylor Brubaker, Tannis Bailey, Jilian Long, Cate Galloway, Davina Freeman, Daisy Lammers and Yixiao Alyssa Liu. Second row: Niki Vakil, Lauren Brajevich, Tia Werschke, Trinity Kubicki, Alison Steele and Chloe Wong. Third row: Megan Diaz, Heewon Judy Chae, Makenna Mendoza, Taylor Werschke, Katie Campbell and Leah Ellwein. Back row: Brooke Garcia, Clara Mangum, Kate Rodebaugh, Coach Taj, Gwen Butler, Shannon O’Malley, Mia Belmont and Coach Werschke. (Photo courtesy Crean Lutheran High School, Wendy Rueter

Members of Crean Lutheran’s stunt team were looking forward to an exciting season but the spring sports season was cancelled throughout the state. Stunt, a spring sport, combines  skills in stunting, jumps, and tumbling.

“My first time going into practice as an assistant coach, shadowing Coach May, I was so excited,” said Coach Parker. “Not only did I miss cheer, but I was ready for the new relationships I will build with the girls. I admired the way the athletes looked at Coach May for wisdom and advice, inside and outside of cheer.

“The day I decided to become the head coach of the stunt team was truly a blessing. Even if that meant waking up at 6 a.m. Every day was different. But through it all, we always come together as a family, pray together, and love one another.  My athletes have grown so much. With their skills as well as spiritually. They also challenge me to become a better person, mentor, and coach. If I could, I will do it all over again. Thank you for being you.”

She also talked about her seniors:

Shannon O’Malley: “The sweetest girl you will ever meet, always putting others before herself. The one you have to remind to take breaks and drink water. Putting in 110 percent every time and just a joy to be around. I know you will be successful wherever God leads you. You’ll always have a place on the team.”

Brooke Garcia: “Hardworking and dedication are the two words that describe Brooke. I can always count on her to get the job done. Someone who would break her body to ensure her flyers safety: Brooke is not only trustworthy, she’s also intelligent. God has something special for you, and I’ll be here to cheer you on through it all.”

Mia Belmont: “Sweet, kind, funny, silly, smart.. the list goes on when talking about Mia. She’s a great leader and always on top of it. If you need help with your homework or just someone to talk to, you can always count on her. The team will miss her presence and good spirit. God has a plan for you. So grateful for the memories that we share. You will be missed.”

Jillian Long: “Fun-loving with a vibrant attitude. Even though her injuries, she managed to push through for her teammates. Commitment is her middle name. She is someone you can count on. Someone who wouldn’t harm a fly. Gentle and sweet. We need more of you in this world.”

Taylor Werschke: “To my captain, I witnessed you grow as a leader and as an athlete. Spunky attitude and always getting the job done. Super grateful to have known you and been able to coach you. Wherever God leads you, I know you will show the same dedication if not more as you did for your team.”

Kate Rodebaugh: “To my captain, She is one of the nicest people you will meet. She talks to everyone with respect and kindness. If you need anything, she would stop what she’s doing just to help you out. You lead the team with grace and passion. You had such a positive impact on the team and I couldn’t thank you enough.”

Megan Diaz: “I didn’t get much time to get to know Megan but I’m happy for the little moments that we did share. She is the definition of an all-around athlete. You can give her whatever task and she is going to do it with everything she’s got! Learning routines and in one day and building new relationships. Keep that mentality, and you will be very successful and happy in life.”

Judy Chae: “Judy takes notes very well. You tell her to do one thing and she’s already in her head trying to figure out how she can be better. She also has a great sense of humor. Judy is naturally funny, sweet, and fun to be around. You will be missed so much. Everyone needs a Judy in their life.”

Daisy Lammers: “Meeting Daisy was a blessing in disguise. Her attitude and mentality were always positive. She put her team before her own needs. You tell her to throw her tumbling, she’s got you. You tell her to try a new position, she’s got you. She’s reliable, smart, and a great person to be around. She is the type of person you want to surround yourself with. I couldn’t ask for anything more from her. God has a great task in store for you. And I guarantee, you will succeed in such.”