Championship win brings long-term school spirit

Winning a state championship is something that can be celebrated for an entire year.

Clarke’s softball team made an appearance at Clarke’s School Board meeting Monday, Aug. 25.

Their class 3A championship trophy was with them.

“It’s not just the state championship,” said Gerard Linskens, school board president. “It’s the success of the whole program, and each of you ladies, as well, you’re an inspiration for all the younger kids, as well. It’s just unbelievable, and I see that in my own daughter.”

Coach Lindsay Diehl addressed the board and said how the team has been helping with the training of the younger students in the district.

“I’ve always been proud to be from Clarke, but it just keeps growing more and more every year,” she said.

Trophy case

Diehl said she has been talking to Ryan Sweeney, Clarke’s activities director, and one of the school’s trophy cases is going to be cleared out “because all of the softball stuff is kind of getting bunched up and scattered.”

The plan is for Clarke’s softball trophies and accolades to have one designated area.

As for the championship trophy, Diehl said the softball players each got to take the trophy home one at a time this summer.

“Everybody got to have a slumber party with her,” she said. “I’d run into it at the Mexican restaurant or here or there. I think somebody even took it into the courthouse and showed it around. It’s awesome to share it with the community.”

Diehl said the next step is to buy softball championship rings and start wearing them.

Joe Deutsch, Clarke School Board member, said the team brought a lot of good feelings to the community.

“I just sense the excitement in our students this year coming to school. And, you guys have set that attitude and that tone,” he said. “Congratulations again, you guys have earned every bit of that this year.”