If the athletic season that was the 2022-2023 school year was a cake it was destined to have been flavorful when the baking period was nearing its completion, it just lacked a little icing.
Head coach Chad Simpson, assistant Bailey Stringer, Layla Byrum, Ellie Smith, Leigh Swint, Lexi Franklin, Roni Tillery, Cam Parish, Kylie Lunsford, Karmen Kent, Presley Walker, Farrah Stringer, Lyddia Franklin, Bella Crabtree, Christina O’Neal, Emily Suttles, Peighton Montalvo, Shelbie Myers, and Vanessa O’Neal provided it with a Class 3A state championship win over Atkins.
The 4-3 decision marked the school’s 19th state title across nine separate sports or divisions – three shooting sports team squads still have state tournament dates remaining in June.
Golf – Coach Jake Fennell’s Bearcats won the district tournament and reached the state tournament. The lone Lady Bearcat competitor also reached the state tournament.
Tennis – Coach Katelynn Holub had both the girls and doubles district tournament winners with the girls team also winning an opening round match in the state tournament.
Volleyball – Coach Stringer and the Bearcats were third in the season and advanced to the state tournament. Stringer’s Junior Bearcats reached the district tournament semifinals.
Cross Country – Coach Ronnie Denton’s junior boys, featuring mostly eighth grade runners, won the district meet. A junior girl also finished fourth overall.
Football – Coach Doc Crowley’s team was the regular season runner-up to get into the playoffs then won four straight before finishing as the Class 3A runner-up. Coach Whit Overton’s Junior High Bearcats were also the district champs, going undefeated with a nonconference win over a 6A opponent.
Cheer – Coach Rachel May’s and Natalie DuPree’s team competed in the state tournament.
Basketball – Coach Denton’s and Coach Cody Harrel’s senior boys won the district tournament, won a regional tournament game that moved them to the Class 3A state tournament. Coach Tim Goer’s senior girls were the regular season co-champions and made a regional appearance. Coach Holub’s junior girls reached the district tournament finals.
Track – Coach Crowley and the Bearcats were the state indoor meet runner-up then followed that up with a district meet win. Coach Darby Ulmer’s Lady Bearcats also won the district meet. Coach Overton’s junior Bearcats also won the district meet. Coach Jacob Hattabaugh’s junior high Lady Bearcats completed the district meet sweep with another title.
Baseball – Coach Arron Kimes and the Bearcats won the regular season district title going undefeated, won twice in the regional tournament and won their first round state tournament game.
Softball – Coach Simpson’s team was the regular season and district tournament runner-up, then won twice in the regional tournament, before winning a state title.
Shooting Sports – Coaches Thresa, Emalee, and Lance Brown’s have a trap, clay target and skeet squads state tournament qualifier.
STATE TITLE ICING ON SUCCESSFUL ATHLETIC SCHOOL YEAR
