FLYING HIGH WITH THE GAINESVILLE CARDINALS

By Barb Rebelo

Gainesville High School is the 13th High School in Prince William County. GHS welcomed its first students

Monday, Aug. 23, 2021. Built to serve 2,557 students, there are currently 2,181 students enrolled at GHS (13150 University Blvd., Gainesville).

“It’s already hard to imagine a time when Gainesville High School did not exist,” said principal Neil Beech. “The reality is that we’ve covered a lot of ground in just 18 months. Opening a new school, building programs and culture, and providing opportunities for students to grow and compete takes time. It has been a labor of love for so many faculty, staff, students and parents who have accomplished so much already.”

He said students have shown great commitment in during and after-school activities. They’ve seen many firsts: First home games, first wins, first regional qualifications.

“I’m proud of our student athletes and what they’ve accomplished in such a short period of time,” he said. “I’m excited about the future of our programs and the contests in which our students will participate in the coming months and years.”

Cheerleading And Gymnastics

“The Gainesville cheerleading and gymnastics programs have started out strong in our first two seasons in the Cedar Run District,” said coach Natalie Hackmann. “It has been an honor to coach these teams as they have encountered every moment of growth, victory, and new skills.”

She said the competition team earned a ticket to regionals in the first season. The sideline teams attended NCA camp at Woodbridge High School and the gymnastics team earned all-time program highs in each apparatus at all of their January meets.

Kaden Thomas plans to major in psychology.

Makayla Gustman, “Gus,” plans to attend college and major is sports nutrition and wellness.

Ellie Suhol, varsity captain, plans to pursue a degree in engineering.

“Much of the cheerleading team entered season one with little tumbling or stunting experience,” she said. “In our first two years, we have seen exponential growth with most of our girls gaining tumbling skills and executing stunts competitive with the programs around us. The gymnasts have paved the way for future athletes in our program with artistry and a work ethic unlike any other. The Cardinal Cheer and Gymnastics families are off to a strong start and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish in the future.”

Boys Basketball

Last year, the basketball team’s first, they finished the season with a 7-15 record, just missing the district playoffs. This year, they are fighting for third place in the district and will likely double their win total from last season.

“The program has also had some exciting experiences in their young history,” said coach Justin Powers, adding that they went 2-0 at a holiday tournament in West Virginia. “That tournament was highlighted by a game winning 3 pointer at the buzzer by leading scorer Grant Polk.”

The team also played at the Capital One Arena before a Wizards game.

“With only two seniors, Muhammad Itayem and Sean Panjsheeri, on this year’s team the future looks very bright for the Cardinals moving forward,” said Powers.

Sean Panjaherri is currently undecided.

Muhammed Itayem, “Mo,” will attend George Mason University.

Dance Team

Dance team coach Cindy Kilmer couldn’t be more proud of her young team.

“I am beyond proud of what the Cardinette Dance Team has accomplished in two short years,” she said. “Starting a new program is not easy and they have already made a huge impact on our community through youth clinics, game performances, and being great students. We can’t wait to see what year three brings!”

Jason Ritenour, director of student activities, said he looks forward to continuing to build the Cardinal brand and establish traditions for the school, students and community.