Kimberly High was honored to be a stop on the Tour of Champions.
Photo by Army National Guard
On Feb. 11, the ninth-annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the National Guard traveled to the "Frozen Tundra" to honor the
Kimberly (Wis.) football team on its championship season and national ranking. Not too far from the famous Lambeau Field, the Kimberly Papermakers have made their presence known in Wisconsin football with their third state title in the past seven years. The team also boasted a flawless season after pummeling its opponent Oshkosh 51-10 in the Division II state title game. The Papermakers finished ranked No. 58 in the country out of more than 16,000 football programs by MaxPreps.
Despite the sub-zero weather, the Kimberly High School gymnasium was packed for basketball games against rival Appleton North. MaxPreps and the Wisconsin Army National Guard displayed the prestigious Minuteman trophy while fans walked into the gym. Parents and players constantly stopped to admire the trophy and take pictures. The players were especially excited by the honor and made sure to take "selfies" with the trophy for Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. By halftime of the boys' varsity basketball game, all the players and coaches were excited to begin the presentation.
Ryan McGinnis, the athletic director for Kimberly, introduced the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presentation. Sgt. First Class Don Carper, whose son was on the junior varsity football team, commended the Papermakers on their incredible season. SFC Carper also noted the school's "Hall of Champions" that highlights the best athletes that have come from the school, as well as attributes of those athletes. Integrity, teamwork, dedication, respect and pride were just a few that he mentioned. He then said that the players on this team showed many of these characteristics throughout the season. SFC Carper then presented head coach Steve Jones with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy and the crowd went wild.
Afterwards, players, parents, friends and family all took pictures of the team with the trophy as well as individual pictures. The players, coaches and faculty could not have been more thrilled or appreciative of the recognition. For the seniors, this was a great way to cap off a perfect season and for the rest of the players, it is something they will strive for again next year.
Congratulations Kimberly Papermakers! We hope to see you next year on the Tour of Champions!
