Archbishop Moeller Fighting Crusaders
Photo by Army National Guard
flooded the gym on Friday, Feb. 15. It was the start of a three-day weekend, but that didn't stop the Fighting Crusaders from coming out to support their school. The boys varsity team was scheduled to play, but that was not the only reason to venture out on that cold Friday night. The Crusaders football team was being honored at halftime of the basketball game for their outstanding season.
Archbishop Moeller had a challenging schedule this year, packed with the some of the toughest competitors. The Fighting Crusaders ended their season with a 12-3 record and clinched their school's eighth state crown. Not favored to win, Archbishop Moeller upset previously-undefeated Whitmer with a 20-12 victory to take the Ohio Division I state title.
The Fighting Crusaders' successful season gained them national recognition as well. The 8th Annual MaxPreps Football Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard honored the Archbishop Moeller High football team, which was ranked No. 6 out of more than 16,000 high schools according to the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings.
Coaches and players were congratulated by Sergeant First Class Jimmy Gribben of the Ohio Army National Guard for the dedication and hard work it requires to be the best. SFC Gribben presented the Army National Guard national ranking trophy and rafter banner to head coach John Rodenberg and his team. All of Cincinnati joined in on the celebration when ABC Channel 9 covered the story on the 11 o'clock news to further honor Archbishop Moeller High School's football team.
Congratulations to the Fighting Crusaders!
