BRIAR WOODS CHEERLEADERS CAPTURE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP - Brandon Weight

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – After a year of high-flying performances, the Briar Woods Varsity Cheerleading program culminated an impressive season by taking the AA State Championships. Besting the Brentsville Tigers in a competition including 16 teams, their 261-point, nearly-flawless performance stunned the audience in VCU’s Siegel Center. With 6 seniors on the team, the win was a well deserved mark after four years of hard work.
After six months of conditioning, as well as 3 and half months of practice for the routine, Brenna Arsenault is among the hardworking seniors. Furthermore, her experience at the VHSL State Championships was a one she’ll always remember.

“It was so surreal,” she recalled. “I could not believe we actually won!”
The varsity cheerleaders returned to much acclaim, receiving congratulations from nearly every passerby in the hallways. A recording of the winning performance was shown during Monday’s morning announcements, and a FLEX performance was announced as well. Students were herded to their normal pep-rally locations, but the new focus was prevalent. Mats adorned the floor, and the cheerleaders were filled with their normal peppy spirit. Principal Ed Starzenski welcomed the crowd, and lauded the achievements of the cheer squad.


Even with a few technical difficulties, and a missing performer, the cheerleaders prepared for the routine. The schools namesake blasted out amid sound bites from 3OH!3, while a perfectly timed basket toss complemented the opening formation. The tumbling sequence caught the eye of many, filled with round off back-handspring tucks and an impressive full by freshmen Holly Johnson. Yet the entire student body was engaged in the call, repeating “Say what, say what? B what? B Woods!”
After the applause settled down, the varsity cheer squad was eager to present with the district, regional, and state trophies to our school. Forevermore will their triumphs be remembered at Briar Woods. And for senior Danielle Deal, she feels positive for the upcoming underclassmen.


“I want them to always stay humble,” she began, “and to never forget how hard we worked to get to the top.”