Our Town Celebrates
Wildcat Victory

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

Smoke wafted through the air, the aroma of spices, meat, onions, and everything good to eat beckoned you to stop and taste, and family and friends surrounded you with excitement and the taste of success.....folks, it doesn't get any better than that! It was Hopkins County celebrating a Wildcat State Championship, complete with medals, cheers, and respect for a job well done!.......What a way to start 2009 in Hopkins County????

 

 

"This is certainly a moment for everyone to relish," expressed a jubilant Coach Greg Owens. "I want anyone who has ever been a Sulphur Springs Wildcat to raise their hand! This is the victory of what you began, as you walked the halls of Sulphur Springs High School, and these guys, standing here, had the opportunity to bring those dreams to fruition in the Alamodome in San Antonio, a couple of weeks ago!"

 

 

 

"I want to thank everyone from Hopkins County, for allowing us to make this quest, and for carrying the character, the mission, and the message, throughout the state of Texas," continued Owens. "We've got something good here in Hopkins County and I've received congratulatory messages from all across the world, and we've truly shown them what a wonderful community we have here in Hopkins County! I'm proud to to say I'm from Hopkins County and we're all equally proud of representing you in the play-offs!"

 

 

 

"Records have been broken, individual team members will excell to great heights, and our community has been spotlighted across the state," continued Patsy Bolton, SSISD Superintendent. "And, I'm proud to say that, what we've all known all our lives, Sulphur Springs met the challenge and shined to other schools and fans, and gained the respect of others. It's a time to celebrate victory for our kids and our community!"

 

 

 

 

Wildcat Booster Club President Craig Roberts called on a number of people, including Sulphur Springs Mayor Oscar Aguilar, and County Attorney Dusty Rabe, who presented proclamations declaring January 8th, Wildcat Day in Hopkins County. Longtime Booster Club member, Bob Cody, who could trace his membership back to the 1960's, presented Coach Greg Owens and the Wildcats with a symbolic "key to the city!"

 

 

 

 

Individual Wildcats and coaches were each presented with a gold medal and introduced before the crowd of over 3500 people who made their way to the downtown square to celebrate. "It's a night to remember and to thank God for allowing us to enjoy life in Hopkins County," expressed another devoted Wildcat fan. "It's a rare opportunity that you get to enjoy a State Championship and we, here in Hopkins County, are truly blessed to be relishing in the success of victory!"

 

 

 

Following the music, the food, the introductions, and speeches, fireworks erupted over the historic buildings of downtown Sulphur Springs, and cheers went up anew, as the sky filled with glorious colors and the pride of community.

 

The night ended with Wildcat players signing autographs for adoring fans, many of which had dreams of one day filling their shoes, on the high school team!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations, Wildcats!!!

_____