Briley Burks, middle, is joined by her parents as she makes the decision to join the Racer cheerleading team at Murray State University on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. The ceremony was hosted inside Barren County High School’s media center.
(JORDAN SMITH/WCLU NEWS)
GLASGOW, Ky. — Briley Burks, a graduating senior at Barren County High School, has announced that she will be continuing her passion for cheerleading at Murray State University.
Burks began her cheerleading career, like most young girls, through competitive gymnastics. At age three, a barefoot Burks could be seen tumbling with her friends. She watched as one-by-one those friends would find new interests and leave gymnastics behind, which made her make the difficult decision in middle school to pursue a different, yet, similar hobby.
“I figured it was time,” Burks said. “My friends had quit and if you don’t have any friends there it’s not nearly as fun as it used to be. So I decided to join the cheer team in middle school.”
She quickly discovered cheerleading is a much different sport. One significant change that most people don’t realize is the use of footwear.
“I’m used to tumbling and flipping without shoes,” she said. “We had four different elements that we have to compete on. Now it’s a floor and tennis shoes. That was definitely new for me.”
Briley learned to make these adjustments and continue cheering from 6th through 8th grade. But a new obstacle was on the horizon — high school.
“I joined the team and it was very different from how middle school was,” she joked. “Still competitive, but just a little bit different and harder classes are added on top of it.”
But, once again, Briley accepted the challenge and made the necessary adjustments. She excelled in school and would cheer on her beloved Trojans all four years.
Now in her senior year, the opportunity arose to cheer at the next level. Briley decided she wanted to be a Racer, becoming the newest member of the Murray State cheerleading squad. She claims this is a great opportunity to continue doing what she loves and make new friendships in the process.
Ultimately, the decision to make the nearly three-hour, 160-mile commitment away from home was due to the career Briley wants to pursue when she finally hangs up the pom poms for good.
“When I looked into my major, which is going to be pre-veterinary medicine, I realized Murray State would give me the best education,” she said.
Burks helps the Barren County cheerleading team as they prepare for state competition since seniors are not allowed to participate. She plans to enjoy what little time she has left as a high school student.
Fall classes for Murray State will begin on Aug. 17.
