Preparation and Opportunity=Championships

by Dave Bowen, Athletic Administrator

The 2011-12 school year was another dynamic one for Crestview athletics, capped off with a state championship by our softball team!  

In the fall, our volleyball team captured an NWC championship, sectional championship, and district championship, advancing to the regional tournament for the first time since 2000. Our cross country program continued in a spirit of excellence with the girls’ team finishing runner-up in the NWC, and the boys’ team finishing third at district and qualifying for regional competition as a team. Freshman Mycah Grandstaff competed as an individual at the state cross country meet. 

In the winter, our basketball teams held their own with our girls’ team capturing runner-up honors in the NWC while our boys’ team won a sectional title.  

Our spring sports continued to show that “excellence is our tradition” with the baseball team capturing first place in the NWC along with a sectional championship. Our track and field team advanced nine student-athletes to the regional level, with Erika Frey earning a district championship in the 300 meter hurdles. And last but not least, our softball program made its tenth trip to the state tournament since the year 2000, capturing NWC, sectional, district, regional, and the aforementioned state championship along the way in 2012. 

Our student-athletes give a tremendous effort, and this effort is complemented by the work and time that our coaching staff commits to Crestview athletics as well. During the 2011-12 school year, Crestview was honored to have five coaches recognized as conference coaches of the year. They were Tammy Gregory—volleyball, Greg Rickard—girls’ basketball, Jeremy Best—boys’ basketball, Owen Pugh—softball, and Jim Wharton—baseball. 

Along with our student-athletes and coaches, a third major spoke in the wheel that contributes to the success of our programs is the Knight Pride club. The financial support along with many hours of “sweat equity” that members of the club contribute is incredibly important to putting our student-athletes in a position to succeed. Any and all support through the club is much appreciated and on the behalf of our student-athletes and coaches, I cannot say THANK YOU enough. 

What will the 2012-13 school year encompass? I don’t know if we will win a single championship, but I can guarantee that our student-athletes will learn a great deal about themselves as individuals and as members of teams through the ups and downs of a season—skills that are a necessary component of success in the game that counts, the game of life. It will be another exciting school year in the athletic arena! I want to encourage you to take every opportunity to jump on the Knight Train and enjoy the ride! GO KNIGHTS!