Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Friday, May 5, the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys baseball team completed a trifecta that has never been done before at MCHS. For the first time in school history, the Cowboys have won district championships in the three major varsity sports of football, basketball, and baseball all in the same year. The success of the MCHS athletic program has not been limited to these three sports alone. Earlier this year, the weightlifting team won a state title and the girls' flag football team chalked up an
The MCHS basketball team recently unveiled their District Championship banner. The basketball team, football team, and baseball team all won district championships in the same school year, for the first time in school history.
impressive 9-3 record in their inaugural season. Even more impressive than the accomplishments on the field of competition, is the way in which the young men of these three teams conducted themselves during the year. The young men on these teams have played their sports not only with grit and determination, but with the kind of class and sportsmanship of which Madison can and should be proud.
The year began with the MCHS Cowboys football team chalking up an undefeated season and making it to the state semi-final game. For much of the season, the Cowboys enjoyed a number one ranking. Pahokee High School kept the Cowboys out of the state championship game, but was later forced to forfeit the game, due to an ineligible player on the team. The Cowboys breezed through district opponents like a sharp knife through warm butter. The Cowboys defeated Bell High School with a 45-0 score, Jefferson County by a 62-6 score, Hamilton County with a 58-0 score, and Lafayette County by a score of 55-7.
The MCHS basketball team had the most successful season in school history, making it to the “Elite Eight” round of the state basketball tournament. The Cowboys' basketball team was undefeated in district play with an 8-0 district record. The Cowboys had an overall record of 22-5, which included an impressive 16 game winning streak during the season. Like the football team, the basketball team also enjoyed a number one ranking in the state for much of the season.
The MCHS baseball team has had an up and down season this year. The Cowboys had a 14-12 record going into Friday's district championship game. With the win, the Cowboys improved their record to 15-12. The Cowboys' district record for the season was 6-2. The Cowboys continue their season with the Regional Semifinal game in the state baseball tournament on Wednesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at MCHS.
MCHS Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Mike Coe is obviously very proud of all three teams. “We have a bunch of young men that are competitive and are willing to sacrifice their time to make themselves better, and in turn, their teams better. As athletic director, I encourage and love to see young men play more than one sport and here is why. If they're at practice constantly, that means they're eligible all year long and they aren't out doing things they shouldn't be doing after school. Also, they are always in competitive situations and that's life to me. Life is a competition. Want a better job? Then do your absolute best at the one you have at the moment, and eventually, somebody will notice you. I am extremely proud of all of our young men and the coaches who go above and beyond for them,” said Coe.