By Debbie Adams
In keeping with the tradition established by Head Coach Brad Lutz, the William Byrd Terriers football team plays each game in honor of a soldier who gave their life in service to our country. On October 22, they played in honor of two Fallen Heroes—Army Spc. Brian “Bucky” Anderson and William Byrd graduate Army Lt. Terry Plunk.
Anderson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York. He was killed in Afghanistan on June 12, 2010, when insurgents attacked his vehicle using an improvised explosive device.
Plunk served with the 27th Engineering Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade. He was also a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute. He was killed on February 26, 1991, while clearing land mines in Iraq.
At the game on October 22, Gold Star mother Margaret Anderson, mother of Brian Anderson, was recognized at the ball game along with family members Jen Anderson, Bri Anderson, and Brynn Anderson, helping to honor Brian Anderson’s sacrifice. Members of the Vinton Youth football association made a special presentation to Mrs. Anderson.
Football captains on October 22 were Hunter Richards, Peyton Fuchs, Ethan Hairston, and John Kiker. Fuchs, Hairston, and Kiker wore special jerseys honoring the high school numbers of Anderson, Plunk, and another Fallen Hero—Army Spc. Clarence Adams.
Athletes of the Class of 2022 were also honored prior to the football game. First up were the football seniors.
Senior Ethan Christopher Hairston (#1) was escorted to the track for recognition by his parents Christopher and Keevie Hairston. Ethan has been in the WBHS football program for one year. His favorite football memory is being able to play football this year with his younger brother Israel Hairston. Ethan is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, DECA, the PTSO, the Beta Club, and plays varsity baseball and basketball. After he graduates, Ethan plans to attend a college or university in Virginia, to major in computer science or an engineering field.
Peyton Fuchs (2) was escorted to the track by his parents Eric and Laurie Fuchs, and his sister Sarah. Peyton has been in the William Byrd football program for six years. His favorite football memory is having the honor of wearing jersey 33. He is also a member of the basketball team. After graduation, Peyton plans to attend a four-year college to major in genomics and play college football.
Hunter Richards (56) was escorted to the track by his parents, John and Christie Richards. He has been in the WBHS football program for six years—one year in middle school, one year in JV, and four years as a varsity starter. Hunter’s favorite football memory is Team Camp at Shrinemont. He is also a member of the wrestling team. After graduation, Hunter plans to attend a four-year college and play football.
Robert Hayden Janney (73) was escorted to the track by his parents Chris and Tina Janney and his sister Hannah. He has been in the William Byrd football program for four years. His favorite football memory is going to Team Camp at Shrinemont and playing in the Bassett game. He is also a member of the track and field team. He plans to attend college after graduation. His favorite quote is “It’s not whether you get knocked down; it’s whether you get up,” by Vince Lombardi.
Head Coach Brad Lutz and his staff congratulated each football senior at the end of the recognition ceremony.
Cheer seniors in the Class of 2022 were recognized next.
Bryson Crawford is the son of Eric Crawford, and Bryn Bixler and stepfather Mark Bixler. He was escorted to the track by Bryn and Mark Bixler. He has been a member of the Terriers cheerleading program for the past five years. After graduation he plans to attend Virginia Western and then transfer to a four-year university to major in Interior Design.
Emma Dalton was escorted to the track for recognition by her parents Ricky and Suzie Dalton. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading program for the past three years. She is also a member of the competition cheer team, the indoor and outdoor track Team, and the William Byrd Beta Club. After graduation she plans to attend college and participate in cheer and track while studying Special Education.
Haley Day was escorted by her parents Charlene Day and Edward McCoy. She has been a member of the Terriers cheerleading program for the past five years, serving as captain for three years. She is also a member of the academic team at William Byrd and the president of the Student Advisory Board at the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for Science and Technology and a board member for the past four years. She has been attending the Roanoke Valley Governor’s School for the past five years. She plans to attend the University of Virginia and pursue a major in Commerce.
Autymn Rose Dillon was escorted by her parents Dee-Anne and Bruce Dillon. She has been a member of the William Byrd cheerleading program for the past five years, serving as captain for four of those years. She has also been a member of the competition cheer team for the past four years. After graduation, she plans to attend school to become a registered esthetician.
Remi FiGart was escorted by her parents Tommy and DeLisa FiGart. She has been a member of the varsity sideline cheer program for the past four years. She also serves as captain of the competition cheer team and is a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams, and the Beta, DECA, and Byrd Buddies Club at WBHS. After graduation, Remi plans to attend either the University of Alabama or Virginia Tech to major in Business and Communications.
Cheyenne Pruitt was escorted by her parents Shane and Rosalyn Pruitt. She has been a member of the Terriers cheerleading program for the past four years. She is also a member of the DECA Club, Leo Club, and Byrd Buddies. After graduation, Cheyenne plans to major in social work but has not yet decided on a college.
Ashlynn ReMine was escorted by her parents Jeff and Annie ReMine. She has been a member of the Terriers cheerleading program for the past five years. She is also a member of the cheer competition team at William Byrd. She plans to attend college and major in nursing.
Delaena Shemoun was escorted by her mother Nadia Toma and brother Dylan. She has been a member of the William Byrd cheerleading program for the past three years. She is also a member of DECA and the Leo Club at William Byrd. She plans to study Law.
Faith Trent is the daughter of the late Ashley Trent York. She was escorted to the track by her brother Cameron Trent and grandmother Deborah B. Trent. She has been a member of the William Byrd competition cheer team for the last four years and the sideline cheer team for the last two years. She is also a member of the All-American Cheer Team, the National Society of High School Scholars, the National Honor Society, and DECA at William Byrd. After graduation, Faith plans to attend the Virginia Tech School of Medicine.
Victoria Anne Watts was escorted by her parents Brent and Vicky Watts. She has been a member of the Terriers cheerleading program for the past three years. She is also a member of Byrd Buddies, the Beta Club, and Leo Club. She is a Senior Class Council member and DECA Club officer at WBHS. After graduation she plans to attend James Madison University and major in Nursing.
Jasia Wheeler was escorted by her mother Jessica Wheeler, older brother Jaylen, and younger brother Garren. She has been a member of the William Byrd cheerleading program for the last six years—four years on the varsity sideline and competition cheer teams. After graduation, Jasia plans to attend JMU to major in Finance with hopes of making the JMU college cheer team.
The Terriers were escorted to the field for kick-off by members of the Virginia State Police, the Christian Motorcycle Association, and the Empty Tomb Ministry. On display throughout the game was a giant American flag displayed over the stadium on a crane courtesy of Nate Serreno from U.S. Crane & Rigging.
The Colors were presented by the Air Force JROTC Unit VA-061 from Patrick Henry High School, which also includes students from William Byrd.
The William Byrd High School Choir under the direction of Matt Bartley performed the national anthem.
Marching Terriers in the Class of 2022 were honored after their half-time performance of their “Escape from the Mind” Program.
Tyler Banks was escorted on the track by his mother Mary Jo Niday and grandmother Carol Niday. He has been a member of the band for the past six years. Tyler is also a member of the E-Sports Club. He plans to attend Virginia Tech to major in Computer Science.
Jonah Bowser was escorted by his parents Doug and Suzanne Bowser. He has been a member of the Marching Terriers for the past four years. He plans to study Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech.
Bailey Burger is the daughter of Meredith and Rusty Burger. She has been a member of the Marching Band program for four years. She is also a member of the William Byrd Players and the Mixed Choir. She plans to study Musical Theatre and teaching at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Bennett Burger is the daughter of Meredith and Rusty Burger. She has been a member of the Marching Band program for four years. She plans to attend Virginia Western for General Studies.
Hunter Burns was escorted by his parents Elizabeth Rector and Nick McDaniel. He has been a member of the Marching Band for the past four years. He is also a member of the Air Force JROTC for the past four years. Hunter plans to earn his Bachelor’s in Paramedics at Radford University-Carilion.
Connor Colgan is the son of Mary Alice Patterson and Casey Colgan. He has been a member of the Marching Band for four years. He plans to attend Virginia Western Community College.
T. J. Cossaboon was escorted by his parents Betsy and David Cossaboon. He has been a member of the William Byrd band program for seven years. He plans to study Music Production and Engineering, beginning his studies at Virginia Western.
Caleb Drewery was escorted by his parents Jason and Wendy Dudley. He has been a Marching Terrier for four years. He plans to attend Radford University and major in Psychology.
Ema Fay is the daughter of Mike and Erica Jones. She was escorted by her parents and brother Avery. She has been a member of the Marching Terrier Color Guard for the past four years. She is also a member of the outdoor track team at WBHS. After graduation she plans to attend West Virginia University and major in Forensic Biology.
Johnathan Ham was escorted by his parents Jennifer O’Berry and Troy Ham. He has been a Marching Terrier for four years. He is also a member of the Art Club. His plans are to attend Virginia Commonwealth University to major in fashion merchandising with a minor in Art/Design.
Catherine Harless was escorted by her parents Harold and Diane Harless. Catie has been a member of the Marching Band for four years. She is also a member of the WBHS swim team, the Beta Club, the Leo Club, and the Habitat for Humanity Club. She plans to attend college and pursue a career as a Physician’s Assistant.
Daniel Letz was escorted by his parents Keith and Elizabeth Letz. He has been a member of the Marching Terriers for four years. He plans to attend Radford University and study Special Education.
Nathan Miller was escorted by his parents Sara and Chris Miller. He has been a Marching Terrier for four years. He is also a member of the swim team at WBHS. He plans to attend college to study engineering.
Annabelle Moore was escorted by her parents Lisa and Michael Moore. She has been a member of the Marching Band for four years. She is also a member of the Leo Club. She plans to attend Virginia Tech and major in musical performance.
Hunter Muddiman was escorted by his parents Paul and Kristy Muddiman. He has been a member of the Marching Band for five years. He is also a member of the Beta Club and Art Club. He plans to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design to study Illustration and Painting.
Dylan Price was escorted by his parents Scott Price and Candace Munsey. He has been in the Marching Band for four years. He is also a member of the William Byrd Jazz Band. He plans to attend Virginia Western Community College.
Jacob Schult is the son of Jennifer and Keith Shult. He was escorted on the track by his mother and brother Kristian. He has been a Marching Terrier for four years. He is also a member of the varsity men’s soccer team and Smite E-sports team. He plans to attend college and pursue a degree in engineering.
Faith Smith was escorted by her parents Kimberly and Al Smith. She has been a member of the William Byrd Color Guard for four years. She is also a member of the E-sports team. She plans to attend Virginia Western and go into the Fine Arts program working on costume, graphic, and character design.
Charlie Trogdon was escorted by his parents Charles and Amy Trogdon. He has been a member of the Marching Band for four years. He is also a member of the Leo Club and Beta Club. He plans to study Computer Science at Virginia Tech.
Claire Wray was escorted by her parents Heather and David Wray. She has been in the Marching Band at William Byrd for four years. She is also a member of the track team, Senior Council, and a Student Council officer. She plans to attend Virginia Tech and double major in Marketing and Psychology.
Kassidy Wrye was escorted by her parents Michael and Denise Wrye. She has been a member of the Marching Band for four years. She is also a member of the Beta Club, Student Advisory Council, tennis team, and is editor of the yearbook. She plans to attend the University of Tennessee-Knoxville or JMU to pursue a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Communications.
(photos by Debbie Adams)
