Springfield Wildcats’ success brings support to district, community

The community will have a chance to show the Springfield Wildcats what the team’s record-setting season means to the city when they join Santa at Holiday in the City on Saturday.

The Springfield High School football team earned their first state final-four spot in school history this year and became the fourth team in Clark County football history to advance to the semifinals.

District officials say they expect the team’s success to filter into other aspects of student life and the community.

“Anytime you have a winning season, it’s a fun, energized time. The success of our football season is especially impactful because many of the student-athletes go on to play other sports and are involved in other activities,” said spokesperson for the Springfield City School District Cherie Moore.

RELATED: Springfield’s historic season ends in state semifinals

The team’s historic run ended in the Final Four last week after an 11-game winning streak. They lost in their final game of the season 31-24 to Cincinnati Elder.

According to Moore, players not only showed effort on the field but also in the classroom as the team had 52 players make the honor roll this season.

RELATED: Photos: Springfield Wildcats 2019 football season

Springfield High School Athletic Director Michael Dellapina cited the character of the players, particularly the team’s 25 seniors, and their commitment as keys to this year’s success.

“They were challenged as freshmen to have full ‘buy-in,’ showing character, commitment, academic success and leadership,” he said of the 25 seniors who served as role models for the younger players. “They accepted that challenge and it showed in the outcome of our season. Making history by making it to the Final Four Division I playoffs brings a new, heightened awareness to Wildcat Football.”

Moore said the community has also had a positive reaction to the team’s season and has shown great support.

RELATED: High School Football: State semifinal a 'shining moment' for Springfield

“The community support has been tremendous, from printing posters, to feeding the team, filling stands and wearing playoff T-shirts,” Moore said. “There is a new level of Cat Pride, and that community support touched the hearts of more than 70 football players, band members, drill team, cheerleaders and coaches.

“Our teams are reminded that they represent the entire community when they compete and they always appreciate the history of the program and those who played before them,” Moore said

Maurice Douglass, the school’s head football coach, said community members have approached him telling him how proud they are of the team and how their success has brought the community together.

The Wildcats will join in Santa’s entrance parade on at Holiday in the City starting around 6:15 p.m. Saturday on Fountain Avenue downtown.

“As a district, we constantly strive to attain growth in promoting our students and programs. There are so many good stories and achievements to share,” Moore said. “A highly successful season in Division I football further supports that Springfield is the most opportunity-rich district in Clark County.”


FACTS AND FIGURES

12: Number of games won this season

4: Number of teams in Clark County to advance to the state semifinals

17: Number of years since a Springfield City School District football team last played in the regional final

UNMATCHED COVERAGE

The Springfield News-Sun is committed to covering high schools in Clark and Champaign counties and has covered the success of the Springfield Wildcats throughout this football season.

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