Eighteen-year-old Owen Woodburn of Country Cove Estates in Scott Depot has built a legacy in cheerleading that’s nothing short of remarkable. A senior at Hurricane High School, Owen lives with his parents, Jake and Farah Woodburn, and is the younger brother of Jackson Woodburn, a freshman golfer at Marshall University. Cheer may not have been the most obvious choice for a young boy in West Virginia, but for Owen, the passion came naturally—and early.

“I started tumbling when I was about four,” Owen shared with Stroll Hurricane. “I used to flip around my yard and on the trampoline, and people kept telling my mom I had something special. When I was ten, she took me to a local gym, and it all took off from there.”

That “something special” was quickly recognized by coaches at River Cities All Stars, where Owen’s competitive cheer journey began. Since then, he’s spent nearly a decade perfecting his craft, competing across the country, and earning major titles—including the prestigious World Champion title as a member of Famous Superstars, West Virginia’s first team to win the Cheerleading Worlds.

From youth competitions at Disney World to elite international showcases like “So You Think You Can Tumble,” Owen’s accomplishments stack up like trophies on a shelf. He’s been named a UCA All-American, a Generation Next tumbler, and a two-time All-Conference cheerleader. His teams have taken top honors at competitions like Cheersport, Spirit of Hope, and The League Championship. In high school, he was part of Hurricane High School's cheer team that achieved the elusive triple crown—MSAC, Regionals, and State Championships—not once, but twice.

Owen credits his coaches and teammates for shaping his success, especially Julie Marino, head coach of Hurricane High Cheer. “Coach Marino pushed me to grow not just as an athlete, but as a person. Her leadership is a big reason why our team won back-to-back state titles. Even now that I’ve graduated, she still checks on me.”

Whether acting as a tumbler, base, or back spot, Owen thrives on the energy and connection cheer brings. “The best part is the bond with my teammates,” he says. “We’ve shared wins, losses, hard practices, and big moments. They’re my best friends.” Owen added, “Through my years of doing cheer, I’ve learned how to step into a leadership role and collaborate successfully with others as part of a team. What I love most about cheer is the memories I’ve made, the friendships I’ve built, and the thrill of competing. I love traveling to competitions and visiting new places. I also enjoy pushing myself to grow, both as an athlete and as a person.” 

This fall, Owen will continue both his athletic and academic journey at Marshall University, where he’ll join the cheer team while pursuing his MBA. His advice to young athletes looking to get into cheerleading? “Always keep pushing forward and DO NOT give up—cheer will challenge you, but the hard work is worth it.”

Through hard work, passion, and a relentless drive for excellence, Owen has not only built an impressive cheer career—he’s built a legacy that inspires.