Photos provided courtesy of James DeSpain.
Leaving a legacy.
That was the theme of Mike Childs’ pregame speech before Souderton’s PIAA state championship game at Penn State University’s Medlar Field.
“Everything is like clockwork, and we had had the batting cages from 9-9:30,” the Indians’ coach said. “At 9:20 I called everybody in and gave my pregame speech in the batting cages.
“I said, ‘This isn’t about baseball, this is about legacy. I want you guys to be able to come back in 10 years, 20 years from now, walk in that school with your kids, see the trophy case and tell your kids – this is what it’s all about. I want you to look at that case and see all the pictures. I want you to look at it and smile and remember that day, remember that season.’ That was my speech with a tear or two maybe.
The Indians went out and defeated Central Bucks South 6-3 to capture the program’s first ever state crown. The players and coaches celebrated that legacy at a recent Souderton boys’ basketball game.
Prior to the game, the team was reunited for the trophy case reveal. Front and center in the trophy case is the gong that accompanied the Indians every step of their journey, photos, proclamations from Harrisburg and newspaper articles – memorabilia from a special day in the program’s history.
With the state title video playing at halftime of the basketball game and the PA announcer introducing each medal recipient, Childs – instead - presented each player with their state championship ring. The celebration was capped with Childs and the team’s four captains – Dan Pineda, Jordan Morales, Billy Norbeck and Conlan Wall - - unveiling the state title banner.
“It was awesome,” Childs said. “Seeing the kids walk in – some of them hadn’t seen each other since they left for college.
“I also said – ‘Hopefully, we’ll be back in 10 years for the Wall of Fame, with kids, without kids, married, not married.’ It was kind of that 10-year feeling only six months out. It was really cool.”
Hogan DeSpain designed the rings as well as the Ring Season sweatshirts. The team also received special edition commemorative state championship hats designed by Conlan Wall that will be worn during the Indians’ spring season. The night closed a special chapter in program history.
“When January 1st hits, it’s a brand new team,” Childs said.
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