Griffin Woods arrived two years ago to become Gray Collegiate Academy competitive cheer coach.

The first year proved just as much, in Woods’ words, a “culture shock” for the cheer team as it was for her transitioning from Folsom, Calif. to South Carolina 12 years ago to first work at ACX Cheer.  

“They weren't used to my methods and the things that I wanted,” she said.

Things settled in during Year Two as the returning competitors and newcomers and their parents and families got on board “the train of success”, according to Woods.

The result was the school’s first-ever Class 2A title won Nov. 19 at Colonial Life Arena. The Lady War Eagles tied Chesnee for first place at 285.5, but won the tiebreaker 490-483 to claim the first-place trophy.

“It was a lot of work,” Woods said. “We practiced five days a week from June all the way until now and they put in a lot of work, and it's so much time, and they've even put in time on their own outside of practice. So that really takes a lot of dedication to put all this together.”

It also helped Woods to reach out to “amazing coaches” nearby for advice. With only five seniors graduating and a seventh-grade class moving up, Woods expects the program to continue improving.

“Just keep the traditions going and keep the discipline and work ethic the same,” Woods said. “Absolutely. The legacy has started.”

The Class 3A final was won by Belton-Honea Path with Palmetto finishing as runner-up. Brookland-Cayce and Gilbert tied for fifth place. 

The Class 4A final was won by Easley High School, followed by Lucy Beckham.   Airport finished in sixth and Irmo was eighth. 

The Class 5A starts at 6:30 p.m. 

Class 2A Results

1. Gray Collegiate Academy - 285.5 (490)

2. Chesnee - 285.5 (483)
3. Mid-Carolina - 275.5
4. Liberty - 239
5. Fox Creek - 225
6. Abbeville - 198.5
7. Barnwell - 186
8. (tie) Ninety-Six and Landrum - 185.5  

10.  Riverwalk Academy -  181

11. Pelion - 141 

Class 3A Results

1. Belton-Honea Path – 306
2. Palmetto – 287
3. Wren – 285.5
4. Daniel – 276

5. (tie) Brookland-Cayce and Gilbert – 272.5

6. Chapman – 271
7. Travelers Rest – 259
8. Seneca – 253.5
9. Powdersvile – 227.5
10. Blue Ridge – 222.5
11. Lower Richland – 202
12. Broome – 196
13. Walhalla – 190.5

Class 4A Results

1. Easley – 304.5
2. Lucy Beckham – 295.5
3. Catawba Ridge – 295
4. A.C. Flora – 294
5. Riverside – 285.5

6. Airport - 273.5

7. Myrtle Beach – 270.5

8. Irmo – 268

9. West Florence – 267.5
10. Hilton Head Island – 257
11. York – 246
12. Lugoff-Elgin – 241.5
13. North Myrtle Beach – 240
14. Ridge View – 239.5
15. South Florence – 226.5
16. Northwestern - 223

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