The 12th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard took a trip to
Salem (Va.) on Thursday, Feb. 7 to honor the Salem High School Spartans for their excellent 2016 football season.
After suffering a 42-40 loss to Amherst County in the season opener, Salem reeled off 13 consecutive victories including a 31-27 decision over Dinwiddie to claim it's eighth Virginia 4A state championship. The Spartans have appeared in the championship game the past three seasons and have won back-to-back titles. Salem is one of 50 football teams being honored on the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard. The team was also part of the Tour of Champions last season.
The trophy presentation was to be held at halftime of the boys varsity basketball game. The Virginia Army National Guard was on full display proudly showcasing the trophy to all those in attendance. The students had an opportunity to see the Army National Guard national ranking trophy up close and enjoyed talking to the Virginia Army National Guard member Staff Sergeant Jason Haynes.

Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment
There was a lot of passion and excitement in the gym. At the beginning of halftime, MaxPreps representative Ray Dungee introduced the Tour of Champions to the fans. Dungee finished his congratulatory message by telling the crowd that their Salem football team finished No. 151 in the nation out of 15,000 football teams across the country.
For the main event, Dungee introduced SSG Haynes. SSG Haynes spoke about the commitment to excellence the coaching staff has instilled in the school and the football team. He paralleled the qualities found on a championship team with those found in the Army National Guard – commitment, dedication, hard work, perseverance and more. He then presented the Army National Guard national ranking trophy to Head Coach Stephen Magenbauer. Upon being presented the prestigious trophy, the packed gymnasium cheered proudly for their Salem football team.
Coach Magenbauer was thrilled and humbled by this national attention. He couldn't have been more proud of his players and greatly appreciated the recognition by both the Army National Guard and MaxPreps. It was a memorable evening for the players, attendees, faculty and coaches.
Congratulations to the Spartans football team for winning back-to-back state titles and hosting back-to-back Tour of Champions presentations.
Click
here to view the Salem TOC photo gallery and for more information about the Football TOC, please visit the
MaxPreps Tour of Champions site.

Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment

Photo by Precision Sports Entertainment