Congratulations to the Charles Henderson High School Trojans, who clenched the AHSAA 4A baseball championship on Thursday with a 7-2 win over Brooks.

The team, led by head coach Derek Irons, has fought hard all season, rallying around a focused work ethic and commitment to practice, performance and fundamentals. Spurred on by the support of loyal fans – from parents to their fellow students who formed a roving cheering section for playoff games – the team amassed an impressive record on its way to the state title.

And along the way, they represented our community well, exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and commitment.

Of course, these young men and their coaches aren’t the only student athletes who have represented us well this year. We’ve been blessed that each of the high schools in Pike County has seen at least one sports team advance to regional or state play this sping: softball, baseball and golf at Pike Liberal Arts; softball at Goshen, where the Lady Eagles competed in the state tournament on Thursday; softball at Pike County High School; and baseball as well as softball at Charles Henderson High.

In all cases, the student athletes represented their schools and their communities with respect; honor; and pride, all hallmarks of a lesson well-learned in the classroom and on the field.

So congratulations to the CHHS 2013 Trojans and all who are enjoying the thrill of victory this morning. It’s a moment to savor and an achievement well deserved.