Goshen athletic director Bart Snyder did his best to move the athletic achievement ceremony along Thursday, but he just couldn’t.

The ceremony was late in the school day, and ended after the three o’clock bell dismissed students. The lengthy ceremony, Snyder said, is a sign that sports at Goshen High School are on the rise.

More than 300 student athletes were recognized Thursday with certificates, awards and trophies. Snyder feels the large number of athletes shows Goshen is headed in the right direction.

“One thing that we are really proud of at Goshen is the number of participants in our sports,” Snyder said. “It took a long time to go through everyone and they is certainly a good problem to have. There were numbers of repeat athletes in different sports, which is something that we encourage. I love the kids we have and things are only going to get better.”

Each junior varsity and varsity athlete was presented a certificate commemorating his or her efforts from the past school year.

In addition to the certificate, senior football players received a copy of their 2013 season highlight film as a keepsake.

Snyder feels the wheels are in motion for Goshen to become of the top athletic programs and school, not only in 2A, but the entire state of Alabama.

“We want everyone here at Goshen to have a positive high school experience,” Snyder said. “Part of a good experience is having the chance to participate in high school athletics. With the students and players we have here, good things are ahead for Goshen High School.”