The entire school gathered on Tuesday, January 11th to honor the Tucker High School football teams first ever undefeated 15-0 season. The 7th Annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard, made a stop today to honor the Tigers as the 73rd best high school team in the nation from a universe of 16,000 football teams in the country.
The entire gymnasium was full of enthusiastic students, teachers, coaches and the team mascot was even suited up! The student body had been dismissed to the gymnasium for a pep rally to honor their beloved football team. The gym was packed and the marching band was on one end of the gym floor and the cheerleading squad on the other side. The band kicked off the proceedings by playing a song that got everyone excited, and then the cheerleaders clapped and danced several cheer routines as the students joined in. This year's starting football players were introduced, and then Head Coach Franklin Stephens shared his appreciation for the support the team received during this state championship run. MaxPreps Arthur Kai took the microphone and highlighted the Tigers accomplishments this year. Before introducing the Army National Guard, Kai explained how the MaxPreps Freeman ranking system determines the teams to be recognized. When he shared that Tucker was one of only 50 football teams being honored this year out of 16,000+ teams nationwide, the crowd erupted. Arthur then introduced Sergeant First Class Jerry Waltrop, who presented the Army National Guard national ranking trophy or the "Minuteman' symbolizing dedication, excellence, perseverance, commitment to a cause, to Coach Stephens and his team. The wide-eyed players huddled around their coach with their new prized trophy and commemorative Tour of Champions t-shirts in hand for pictures.
The coaches, players and administrators were very appreciative of being honored and were thankful to be recognized by MaxPreps and the Army National Guard. What a great day to be in Tucker Tiger Country!
