The blond bombers

The peroxide-blond hair, the trademark look of soccer players in recent years at Notre Dame Regional High School, is gone for the most part, but the thrill of the team's second state championship since 2002 hasn't diminished a bit.

In a 2-0 win over St. Dominic's a week ago, the Notre Dame team cinched the Class 2 state championship in front of an enthusiastic crowd of supporters at Anheuser-Busch Center.

The team's fine effort reflects well not only on Notre Dame, but also on this community and the region from which the high school draws its students.

Several hundred Notre Dame fans made the trip to the championship game -- a crowd that included a large number of Central High School soccer fans. This show of community support was indicative of the fact that many of the players from both high schools have been lifelong friends and have participated in various soccer programs together for a number of years.

Congratulations to the team for it state honors. And a word of thanks to the parents and other supporters who have faithfully backed the team throughout the season.