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Briar Woods has plenty to cheer about
Briar Woods High School competitive cheer coach Kristin Develli had a good feeling about her 2009 squad right from the first day of practice.
"I knew this was going to be one of our best seasons," said Develli, now in her second season. "I didn't know we would make it all the way to the state competition. But I knew this was going to be a different year for us and a turning point for our program."
Develli's initial impression proved more than accurate.
The Falcons – who had not placed in the top half of the Dulles District through their first four seasons – not only won their first Dulles and Region II titles, but also made school history by claiming the Virginia AA championship Nov. 14 in Richmond.
The competitive cheer title is the first state championship for an athletic team at Briar Woods, a fifth-year school in Brambleton.
Develli experienced the elation of winning a state championship as an athlete in 2002 when Park View High School claimed the Virginia AA softball title.
"I'm just so proud of the girls," said Develli, who also cheered at Park View. "As an athlete, there is no better feeling that winning a state championship. I'm glad they had the opportunity."
The Falcons were one of 16 teams competing in the state competition at the Group AA level.
Briar Woods tied for first place after the first round to earn one of five spots in the final round. The Falcons delivered a nearly flawless routine in the final round to score 261 points, six points better than runner-up Brentsville.
The outcome was especially rewarding for three seniors – Danielle Deal, Morgan McGovern and Emma Garcia – who have been with the program since their freshman years.
Develli said, "They did a great job showing the younger girls how important this is – letting them know this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we need to take advantage of it."
Bulldogs place second
Stone Bridge fell two points shy of winning its fifth state cheer championship, earning runner-up honors in the AAA competition.
The Bulldogs totaled 259.5 points on their routine while Fairfax – a team Stone Bridge previously edged to win the Liberty District and Northern Region titles – scored 261.5 points.
It was still an impressive season for the Bulldogs, who have placed fourth or better in nine consecutive state competitions.
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