Spring-Ford Rams
Photo by Army National Guard
The rainy, overcast weather had no effect on the mood of the
Spring-Ford students when the 6th Annual MaxPreps Basketball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard came to town to celebrate the Rams' girls basketball championship season. The excitement of the student body was electric as the girls basketball team walked into the gymnasium for the special school assembly.
To start the celebration, the band played the school's fight song followed by the cheerleaders engaging the crowd in a spirited school cheer. Then, Principal Nugent stepped up to the podium to congratulate the girls basketball team on all of their accomplishments, which include beating Cumberland Valley to take the PIAA 4A state title, the school's first state championship in any sport, and setting the record for the most wins in a single season. As a result of these achievements, the team was ranked No. 27 in the country out of more than 20,000 girls basketball programs according to the MaxPreps Freeman Rankings.
After addressing the players who had been named all-state, Mickey McDaniel, the athlete director, welcomed up Sergeant First Class Dan Geyer of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard to present the "Minuteman" trophy to head coach Jeff Rinehimer. Hoisting the prestigious trophy above his head, all the students, faculty, family and friends present cheered and clapped enthusiastically.
Very appreciative of the recognition, coach Rinehimer thanked MaxPreps for the honor and thanked SFC Geyer for the award and most importantly his service. At this point, everyone in the stands stood and started chanting "USA." In addition to the MaxPreps portion of the ceremony, the school's color guard performed a piece from "A Chorus Line" and the percussion ensemble closed the assembly with a number that would rival "Stomp."
Coach Rinehimer and his players gathered after the ceremony to take pictures and soak in the moment. The whole school, but especially the coach, players and athletic department, could not have been more thrilled or thankful for the honor. It is one of the most gratifying moments in the Tour for us — when we see how much this award means to the teams and schools.
Thank you Spring-Ford High School for your hospitality and congratulations on your incredible season! Best wishes next season and hope to see you again on the Tour!
