Cheering, chanting, hugs and tears of joy were all part of a big celebration in Elba last night as the Lady Lancers brought home their Class D State Champions trophy.
"It’s amazing," said Meg Stucko. "It’s like the best day of my life. I never thought the whole community would come together like this. It’s really awesome."
The whole community could celebrate together because the community won together.
Head Coach Tom Nowak praised dozens of volunteers, from scorekeepers to parents who traveled the state to videotape potential opponents in tournament games, along with all the fans who turned out to support the girls.
“They say it takes a whole community to raise a child,” Nowak said. “It takes a whole community to raise a state champion.”
The celebration in the gym followed a lights and sirens escort by the Elba Volunteer Fire Department through the village.
MacKenzie Bezon, who was Most Valuable Player of the title game, was amazed by the public's response.
"I can’t believe our community did this," Bezon said. "It’s not like just we won the championship. It’s the whole town. I just can’t believe it happened. We’ve been working so hard. I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a dream."
Nowak said he was exceptionally proud that the Lady Lancers, who knew what to do, executed the game plan and their plays, and stayed in control.
"This is the most composed group of young ladies I've ever been associated with," Nowak said. "I was able to relax because I knew what they could do on the court."
After explaining the story because somebody told him recently "Coach, nobody is perfect," Nowak ended his remarks to thunderous applause when he said, "Right now and forever, these girls are a perfect 25-0."
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