Saxony, Bell City win consecutive state titles

For those who may not pay much attention to high school athletics, the end of an era came to pass last week, when Saxony Lutheran's soccer team won its second consecutive state championship in soccer.

The Crusaders finished their girls soccer season at 22-1, having beat Trinity Catholic 1-0. And a group of super talented and athletic girls finished their high school careers on top.

But it wasn't just soccer. Many of the same girls who took to the pitch, also hit the hardwood. Saxony's girls basketball teams were always some of the most competitive in this part of the state, regardless of class size, and they made Final Four trips three times, and took second place this year, coming up just short in the title game after winning 24 straight games.

"There's no feeling like a state championship," said Brianna Mueller, Saxony's standout senior. "There's no feeling like losing a state championship, but there's also no feeling like winning a state championship. That's something I'll never forget."

Saxony's girls athletic programs have been crazy good for the last four years. The Class of 2016 should be proud of their athletic accomplishments, and we're happy that the girls were able to go out on top. Congratulations, girls.

In Bell City, the boys baseball team also took home its second straight state title.

The Cubs knocked off New Covenant Academy 7-2 to claime the Class 1 state championship for the second straight year.

"On cloud nine, that's how I feel. I feel like I'm floating in the sky right now," Bell City senior Nate Finney said. "It's unbelievable. It's like a dream come true -- not to win one, but win two. That's something not very many people have gotten to do.

As was pointed out in an article written by Southeast Missourian sports writer Trent Singer, the Cubs became the first Class 1 school since the state diverged to more than two classes in 1980 to win back-to-back baseball titles.

Junior Cole Nichols won the game on the mound, a wonderful birthday present. He turned 17 years old.

Congratulations to Bell City and Saxony for their sustained excellence. And for reaping the rewards of all the hard work you put in along the way.