The 18th stop on the 6th Annual MaxPreps Boys' Basketball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard was held on the campus of the Rainier Beach Vikings on Tuesday, May 15th 2012 in Seattle, Washington. The Washington Army National Guard sent Major Sebastian Andres to present the prestigious Army National Guard national ranking trophy to the boy's basketball team. Rainier Beach ended their season with a 27-3-0 overall record, 15-1 in league and were ranked a phenomenal No. 55 nationally out of 20,000 high school boy's basketball teams in the country according to the MaxPreps Freeman poll. Since claiming their state title and being nationally ranked, the Vikings were one of ten boy's teams selected across the nation to receive the honor.
Once I arrived at the Rainier Beach High School, I was greeted by school Principal Dwane Chappelle and Athletic Director Tim Bursey. He talked about what a great honor it was to receive such a prestigious award and how excited he was for the celebration later that day. I began setting up in the foyer of "Jamal Crawford Court" named after the NBA player who had once graced the Rainier Beach halls and court. As the Washington Army National Guard arrived they quickly prepared a table full of giveaways and information for all who were coming to this festive stop on the MaxPreps Tour of Champions. The Washington Army National Guard officers made the finishing touch by proudly displaying the prestigious Army National Guard national ranking trophy or the "Minuteman" trophy, symbolic of excellence and dedication to a cause.
Students from local middle schools began to arrive as the final touches were completed in the gymnasium. Then the local, county and state dignitaries began arriving followed closely by former alumni including several current NBA players. The Rainier Beach student body and staff began filling "Crawford Court" and the anticipation began to swell as everyone awaited the arrival of the Vikings boy's basketball team and Head Coach Michael Bethea.
The ceremony began with congratulations and acknowledgements from Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. Mayor McGinn congratulated the team on a successful season and on being recognized by MaxPreps and the Washington Army National Guard. After several other dignitaries from King County, Washington State, and Seattle School Board member Betty Patu had all spoken.......MaxPreps' Jason Hickman stepped to the microphone.
Jason opened the ceremony by stirring the crowd into a frenzy with the team's awesome statistics, deep history and overall national ranking. He then passed the microphone to Major Sebastion Anderes. The Major explained how tremendous of an honor it is to receive such a symbolic trophy as the "Minuteman." He elaborated on the Vikings great accomplishments and then excitedly presented Head Coach Michael Bethea with the trophy and championship rafter banner to be hung in "Crawford Court" for all to see. Head Coach Bethea then explained how this particular team was special, and what an accomplishment and honor it was for his team to receive this award from MaxPreps and the Army National Guard. The ceremony concluded with acknowledgements from former Vikings and current NBA stars. Terrence Williams of the Sacramento Kings congratulated the team for its 3A title. Portland Trail Blazer, Jamal Crawford also congratulated the team and talked highly about Head Coach Michael Bethea and his dedication to the players and the family that is "Viking Basketball."
Local media outlets, King 5, Kong and Q13FOX all were in attendance as well as the local government channel. The Viking team and its success was broadcast on local news and Northwest Sports, a local all sports show for the region. After the trophy presentation, students gathered to view the trophy as each player held it separately for photographs. The Washington Army National Guard stood tall and showed their respect to this fantastic team who showed teamwork and dedication on their way to a 3A State Championship and one of only ten boy's teams to receive the "Minuteman" trophy! Congratulations Vikings!
