SPORTS OPINION

Class of 2021 exceeded sports expectations

As graduation approaches for the Class of 2021, we reflect on all of the athletic achievements accomplished during their time as high school athletes. From unprecedented playoff streaks in football to multiple state championships in Competition Cheer, this class of Blue Aces exceeded high expectations in a very successful four years. Granville has a very high standard of excellence in the classroom and on the field; these standards set a very high bar for student-athletes, but despite the challenge, the Class of 2021 has met the challenges and conquered them during their high school careers.

The class’s achievements start in the fall and are highlighted by the football team going to the playoffs in all four years which was unheard of before we were in high school. The team posted dominant winning records in all four years and also helped lead the high school to its first football playoff win ever as well as our deepest runs ever. We also had very successful cross country teams that placed in states in both the girls and boys tournaments during their tenure at Granville. Additionally, the girls soccer team strengthened their program and even went to the state championship this past season led by a strong senior class.

In the winter, our class continued their success by winning three LCL championships in a row for boys basketball during their careers. The girls basketball team carried on the winning ways, with a district championship and making a very deep playoff run this past season as well as a school record for most wins in a season. Next, the swim team has been very successful during the senior’s tenure with LCL titles and multiple places at the state meet. Our Class of 2021 also built up the Indoor Track program in four years of high school and placed in states multiple years in a row before winning two state championships this season.

Finally and arguably the most impressive for our class in winter sports, the competition cheer team brought home

multiple state championships including one as seniors to cap off their spectacular high school careers. In the spring sports realm, the Class of 2021 has had a ton of success in baseball and softball as well as Track. The baseball and softball teams have both posted winning records in their four years along WHIT MILLER with very deep playoff runs and LCL titles. The Track team has also had tons of success with countless LCL titles and state placements in several events over the careers on the Track team. In all four years, the seniors have placed at states and competed for state titles in their respective events. Overall, the high school’s 2021 senior class has set a new bar for athletic expectations and achievements with very decorated careers in their respective sports. Granville has always had a winning and successful athletics program but the Class of 2021 has helped take it to the next level where we are perennially expected to win and win big in all of our sports.

Athlete Opinion: What is your best sports memory from high school?

“My favorite memory would probably have to be pasta parties or winning LCLs junior year!” -Olivia Beckett, Swim “I'd have to say the indoor state championship at Spire from junior year!” -Jenna Unkefer, Track “I'd say my favorite memory was traveling to the Reynoldsburg tournament every year.” -Campbell Lucas-Miller, Tennis “My favorite memory from softball is getting to know the girls and becoming really close with the team this year.” -Ainsley Owens, Softball “My favorite memory of football was winning the first playoff game in school history in 2018.” -Keshawn Bonner, Football