It was a sad end to a very hard fought season.

The Atoms had a near perfect routine on Oct. 18 at Lake Braddock secondary school. But the team’s best wasn’t good enough Tuesday night; the team finished in sixth place out of eight in the patriot conference competition, which ultimately will be their final competition of the year because the Atoms failed to qualify for the regional cheer competition.

Making it to regionals would have been only the second time our school made an appearance in that competition. “We did extremely well we received no defections and didn’t drop a flyer,” said senior base Madie Walsh.

“The team had one of their best performances yet. They worked hard to clean up the routine and focused on making a more crowd involved cheer.” Head coach, Cragin Winkler said.

Tuesday night wasn’t all bad though, Coach Cragin Winkler was awarded coach of the year for the patriot conference.

“I was speechless. When I found out I received the award I almost cried. I don’t look at it as an award for me but more for my program,” Winkler said, “This award is giving our coaching staff and team the recognition for all the hard work and effort they have put into the season. I wouldn’t have gotten the award without my coaching staff and amazing team.”

Also senior Molly Valorose was named to first team all conference. “It feels really great and I was proud to be representing Annandale alongside the best cheerleaders in the conference,” Valorose said.

Even though the result was not what the team wanted, Coach Winkler only had positive remarks.

“This season has been amazing. The team has battled so many obstacles through the season and overcome them all. They have really bonded as a team which has made them a better all around team.”