On Tuesday, Jan.24 the
Kirkwood (Mo.) High School football team was recognized on the 12th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard, which is in its 12th year honoring football.
After falling short in the first game of the season, the Pioneers rattled off 13-straight wins including a 31-14 victory over Blue Springs to claim the Missouri 6A state championship — their second in school history! Kirkwood finished the season ranked No. 95 in the nation and is one of only 50 football teams selected to receive the Army National Guard national rankings out of 15,000 teams nationwide.
The trophy ceremony took place during halftime of the boys varsity basketball game in the evening. As students, faculty, parents, and siblings looked on from the bleachers, Athletic Director Corey Nesslage addressed the crowd to kick off the celebration. He introduced the TOC as he welcomed MaxPreps and Missouri Army National Guard who were there to award the football team for its amazing championship season.
MaxPreps representative Will Arens continued the program and spoke about the team's 2016 season, which culminated in a state title and top 100 national ranking.
Next, Sergeant First Class Joshua Lynch of the Missouri Army National Guard explained how the values and principles of this year's championship team aligned with those found within the Army National Guard. As the crowd rose to their feet in applause, SFC Lynch presented head coach Farrell Shelton and the Pioneers with the Army National Guard national rankings trophy.
Congratulations Kirkwood on a great season and high national ranking!
Click
here to view the Kirkwood TOC photo gallery and for more information about the Football TOC, please visit the
MaxPreps Tour of Champions site.
Photo Courtesy of Kirkwood FB
Photo Courtesy of Kirkwood FB
