Our next stop on the boy’s basketball MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the National Guard was Saturday, April 24th at
Winter Park High School just outside of “tourist-ville” Orlando, Florida. The long awaited presentation was held after a community parade that led the team to the community’s “Picnic in the Park”, an annual local school/community celebration. The Winter Park Wildcats finished No. 14 nationally from among 21,000 boy’s basketball teams for the 2009-10 season, according to MaxPreps' Freeman poll.
What was special about this tour stop? Well, the Wildcats wrapped up their first championship in the school’s 83 year history after crushing a strong Dr. Phillips High School, out of Orlando, 76 to 57. Coach David Bailey has put Winter Park on the map by taking home the Florida Class 6A State Championship.
As the parade of Winter Park champions wound through downtown, the team saw an overwhelming amount of support from the community and classmates from atop their “chariot”, a hulking bright red fire truck. Enjoying the limelight, the players and Coach David Bailey awaited the coveted “minuteman trophy” to be presented to them by the National Guard; as the National Guard National Ranking trophy.
First, Billy Barnette of MaxPreps, and a Florida native, was introduced and took the stage. He talked about what an outstanding season these Wildcats had and how hard it is to become one of the teams presented with the National Guard National Ranking trophy, as they are one of only 10 teams who were selected for the boys Tour of Champions.
Florida National Guard representative, Sergeant Josh Wilkes was introduced next and brought up Coach Bailey to present him the trophy after addressing the excited crowd. The air was filled with cheers upon every mention of their championship team. Sergeant Wilkes discussed how determination and dedication were common links between the National Guard and this group of incredible athletes. Without qualities such as these it is hard for any team to win a championship, especially in a state with such stiff competition as Florida, yet alone be ranked No. 14 among 21,000 schools.
After a few last words from Coach Bailey about the honor to coach this team and win the first boys state championship for Winter Park, we were off to celebrate with the rest of the community. Great food and a great atmosphere made this stop an instant classic. Congratulations Wildcats! We salute your championship season in 2009-2010!
