Red Bay High School Lady Tigers receive championship rings
by Brandi Miller for the FCT
Wednesday, May 20th at Red Bay High School was a day all high school athletes hope to have. The Lady Tigers Basketball team was presented their state championship rings at the gym in a ceremony surrounded by family, friends, and community. The Lady Tigers have been anxiously awaiting this day since defeating Geneva County to win the 2A girls state championship.
“These girls are so excited to get these rings,” said Head Coach Donnie Roberts. “They are very impatient,” said a smiling Roberts.
The event was a special presentation that allowed the players, family, and community to be a part of this exciting time. Assistant Superintendent Donald Borden read a resolution to the players that was passed at the Franklin County Board meeting. RBHS assistant principal Jeff madden read State Resolution 38 that recognized the RBHS Lady Tigers accomplishment. Superintendent Gary Williams spoke and then presented RBHS board member Mike Shewbart with a check for some needed improvements to the RBHS gymnasium.
This state championship marks the 6th for RBHS. All the speakers emphasized that anytime RBHS was mentioned around the state of Alabama, girls basketball was always brought up and discussed. Board member Shewbart also noted that girls basketball, football and academics was the things most people around the state recognized when they heard the name Red Bay.
This makes championship ring number four for head coach Donnie Roberts. He has nothing but praise for this group of girls.
“I knew we were going to win state,” said Roberts. “I had never felt like this before. This was the first time for that to ever happen, to just know. And I was finally able to get them to believe.”
Roberts has been coaching for forty two years. He wanted to extend a special thanks to everyone is a part of RBHS Lady Tiger basketball.
“I want to thank the community and school,” said Roberts. “This is what happens when everybody pulls together.”
The Lady Tigers have tasted the ultimate victory and they are not going to be satisfied with anything less.
“This was something I will never forget,” said 2A State Tournament MVP Darby Madden. “I am ready for two more championships.”
