By Jean Marie Thomas (March 13, 2002)

The George Mason Varsity Cheerleaders prevailed over stiff competition at the Virginia High School League Region B Cheerleading competition last weekend at Hampden Sydney College, placing second behind the Page County Panthers.

This second place, the Mustangs’ highest regional finish in the school’s history, propelled the girls to their first-ever state competition that will take place at Virginia 

Commonwealth University on Saturday, March 23. 

Throughout the season, the squad had worked hard to overcome obstacles. In districts, the squad placed second to the Strasburg Rams who came in fourth in the regional competition behind the third place Wilson Memorial Hornets. Mason was the only school at regionals that did not suffer any deductions due to dropping stunts or falling during tumbling passes.

Mason’s coach, Keri Lambert, said, "Five years ago I came into the Mason cheerleading program with a vision of going to a state competition and the girls have stuck with me and are finally seeing their dreams come true. In states, all I ask is that everyone does the best they can do."

For the six seniors, five of whom have been cheering since eighth grade, the trip to Richmond is the opportunity they have been waiting for.