On Friday, Dec. 18 the MaxPreps travel team made a special visit to
Center Grove High School in Greenwood, Indiana to honor not one, but two teams on the 11th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the National Guard. The boys soccer and football teams were chosen to receive the national ranking trophy as they finished their seasons with a state title and ranked No. 18 and No. 15, respectively.
The Center Grove boys soccer team swept Harrison 4-0 for the Class 2A state title which was the program's first state title. The football team capped a perfect 14-0 season with a 28-16 victory over Penn to capture the Class 6A state title. This was the second time the football team received recognition on the Tour of Champions.
Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
MaxPreps and the Indiana Army National Guard arrived on campus Friday afternoon to display the two impressive Minuteman trophies during the lunch. Staff Sergeant Rex Martaindale along with several other members of the Indiana Army National Guard were on-site to congratulate the players and spread the excitement about the recognition that would happen that night during the boys basketball game.
During the game, the Center Grove boys basketball team wore special Indiana Army National Guard jerseys. Each jersey highlighted a characteristic of the National Guard including: respect, honor, and dedication. Once the buzzer indicated halftime, the stage was set for the Tour of Champions presentation.
With the gym lights darkened and only a spotlight on the presenters, MaxPreps representative Briana Coyne introduced and explained the Tour of Champions. She emphasized that this particular presentation was extra special because two teams from one school were being honored.
First, Coach McLaughlin and the boys soccer took half court to receive their well-deserved recognition. SSG Martindale congratulated the team and commended the players on the sacrifice and dedication they showed to achieve their goals and first state title. SSG Martindale then presented the team with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy.
Next, Coach Moore and the football team stepped onto the court where SSG Martindale praised the team on their perfect season and their pursuit of excellence throughout the year. He then proceeded to present the football team with their Minuteman trophy.
With the crowd on their feet cheering and clapping, both coaches individually thanked MaxPreps and the National Guard for the recognition as well as the community for their support. Each team received an additional surprise when their state title wall plaques were revealed as well.
Congratulations to Center Grove High School and the Trojans' boys soccer and football teams! Special thank you to Athletic Director Jon Zwitt, the faculty, and administration at Center Grove for their warm welcome and hospitality!
We hope to see Center Grove again next year on the Tour of Champions!
To view the Center Grove TOC Photo Gallery, click
here.
Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
