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By Carl Lukat/Loudoun Times-Mirror Sports
Ashburn (Feb. 3, 2012) - A trio of Briar Woods High School seniors made their college destinations official Feb. 1 in front of family, friends, coaches and school administrators in the school library. Justin Baker will continue his football career at James Madison University, Shaquera "Shaq" Leach will run track at Virginia Tech and Connor Pompilio will play soccer at Virginia Tech.
Justin Baker earned first-team All-Dulles District as both an offensive and defensive lineman in 2011. Baker, who transferred to Briar Woods prior to his junior year, helped the Falcons win consecutive Virginia Division 4 state championships in his final two seasons. He registered 76 tackles, including 8.5 for a loss, and forced two fumbles as a senior.
Briar Woods football coach Charlie Pierce also credited Baker for becoming a better student during the last two years. Baker earned a 3.65 GPA on his latest report card. Baker was joined by his parents, Terra and John Baker, and his grandfather Nelson Griffin at the ceremony.
Connor Pompilio is a forward on the Falcons' boys soccer team. Pompilio led his club team, Vista RFC 93 to the Under-18 Boys Virginia State Cup title in the fall of 2011, scoring two first-half goals in a 3-0 win over ABGC Annandale United FC in the championship game.
Pompilio was joined at the ceremony by his parents, Leslie and Richard Pompilio, sister Kathryn Rowe Pompilio, and Briar Woods head coach Francois Bernard and assistant coach Gene Legg.
Shaquera Leach holds Briar Woods school records in the 100-meter dash (12.13), 200 (25.76) and 400 (57.66). Leach's favorite event is the 400 - she set a personal best of 55.06 seconds as a member of Special Forces Track Club at the 2011 Junior Olympics to earn All-American Status.
Leach was joined by her parents, Brandon and Natasha Graham, along with several current and former coaches, including Briar Woods coach Kelly Colebank and Special Forces coach Nick Savage. Follow jump for more photos from event by Carl Lukat!
