Cowgirl fans gathered around the porch of the Reunion Mansion on Friday, Feb. 26 to celebrate the girl’s basketball team breaking their history by defeating the Trenton Tigers on Feb. 17 with a winning score of 73-58 and thus rising forward to become the State Champion team for Class 1A.
The gathering started off with the Madison County High School Cheerleaders keeping the mood exciting by reciting their cheers for the gathered crowds.
As the Cowgirls arrived and approached the gate of the Reunion Mansion, the fans applauded in excitement for the girls who had fought hard and won the title that had long been coveted by the Cowgirls team.
Following a playful playing of the song, “We are the Champions” over the speakers, MCHS Principal Ben Killingsworth was offered the microphone to speak words of praise and encouragement to the Cowgirls.
Coach Marcus Hawkins then came to the stage, introducing his fellow coaches and each of the players they were so proud of.
Afterwards, senior Cowgirls Jameica Cobb and Tamiera Mobley took their respective turns at the microphone to speak regarding how much they have enjoyed their last year on the team and how their teammates and coaches had become like family to them all during their time together.
Last to speak was Superintendent of Schools Doug Brown, who congratulated the team and coaches.
Afterwards, the Cowgirls mingled with their fans as they signed miniature basketballs per request from the crowd, as well as posed for pictures with their adoring family members who expressed their own level of praise and support for the team and the girls.
Afterwards, a private party was thrown for the Cowgirls inside Art Smith's Reunion Mansion with punch, cake and snacks being served.
A special appearance for the event was made by Carl Joseph; a three star sports celebrity, member of the Florida High School Athletic Hall of Fame and 1980 graduate to MCHS.
Joseph, who used to play seventh grade basketball as well as track before making his name in football, is famous through Madison for his amazing ability on the court and field, but also turning what could be his biggest disability – being born with only one leg – into his biggest advantage.
Carl Joseph’s can-do attitude, his refusal to give up even when the games got tough is something that has been passed down to the Cowgirls.
Madison County may be small, it may be rural and it may be just a little spot on the map, but the athletes who are rising from this county show what this tiny, rural spot on the map is all about.
