Valley’s image as bastion of athletic talent fortified

Those awe-inspiring Golden Flashes once again have bolted out lightning-powered talent, speed, finesse and sportsmanship to reign as 2015 softball champions in the Buckeye State.

We congratulate the Champion High School girls squad, their coaching staff and their fans for a job exceptionally well done in clinching the school’s sixth state softball title over the weekend.

We also tip our hats to the region’s other stellar teams that made a mark for themselves – and the Valley – at state finals over the weekend. They include the Warren John F. Kennedy High School track team, which won the Division III state track championship in Columbus, and the Poland and Western Reserve baseball teams, both of which ended amazing seasons as state runners-up.

Collectively, they make the Mahoning Valley proud by solidifying and extending our region’s reputation as a powerhouse for superlative high school athleticism. In softball, for example, Boardman, Canfield and Poland also have won state titles since the turn of the 21st century.

The aptly named Champion squad has established itself as the team to be reckoned with in the Buckeye State, having won three state titles over the past five seasons and six since the late 1970s. No other team in its division can match that claim.

TALENT AND TEAMWORK

All things considered, teamwork and individual talent sealed the deal for Greater Youngstown-Warren’s ability to muster up such a hefty hunk of state championship metal this spring.

Consider the awesome skill and precision of Champion pitcher Haylee Gardiner, who fired a two-hit 4-0 victory over Bloom-Carroll at Firestone Park.

Consider, too, the indomitable spirit of JFK’s Chad Zallow, who dashed to victory in the 300 hurtles despite battling a painful bout with cramps.

Or consider the skillful teamwork of the baseball teams from Poland and Western Reserve. The Bulldogs and Blue Devils played superlatively throughout the season to land a coveted berth in the state championship games in their respective divisions.

Collectively those hard-hitting softball champs in Champion, those never-say-die track victors in Warren and those adept baseball aces in Poland and Western Reserve have brought glory to their schools, their communities and the entire Mahoning Valley.

Those Flashes, Eagles, Bulldogs and Blue Devils have now earned the right to bask in the shining triumph of their achievements.

We heartily salute them.