Published: June 26, 2009 08:56 pm      

Oriole golfers celebrate first state championship

AVON — Throughout the course of the 2009 season, the Avon boys’ golf team won four invitiationals, county, conference, sectional, and the school’s first state championship in any sport.

On Friday night, it was time for the team to relax. The community was invited to the school to help the team celebrate during an open house.

Team members signed autographs and mingled with fans. Despite school being out for the summer, a steady flow of fans passed through to greet the players.

“It feels great, it’s actually a lot better turnout than I thought it would be,” Avon’s Patrick Rodgers said. “To sit there and sign autographs is pretty cool, to feel like a celebrity for a day.”

The Orioles also had a day dedicated in their honor. Avon Town Council President Greg Zusan presented the team with a plaque which declared July 1, 2009 Avon High School Boys Golf State Championship Day.

“We had no idea about that day being our day so that was a nice little surprise,” Rodgers said.

Avon head coach Brent Sailor said the Avon community has been unrelenting in their support of the team.

“We’ve all received so many congratulatory messages, the support has been overwhelming,” Sailor said. “We wanted to let the community come in and meet these kids that they’ve read and heard about throughout the year.

“It’s nice to be recognized for all the hard work the kids put in.”

Even though it’s been more than a week since the Orioles hoisted the state trophy at The Legends of Indiana Golf Course in Franklin, the experience hasn’t completely soaked in for some team members.

“It really hasn’t set in yet and I’ve heard that it might not be until I’m 30, 40 years old that I realize what we really did,” Avon’s Andrew Wegeng said. “But I’ve been thinking about it every day.”

Following the open house, the team conducted an awards banquet to celebrate the team’s achievements.

“It’s a great feeling having this banquet,” Avon’s David Janney said. “You get the feeling that the town really cares about us.”

When students return in the fall, Avon is planning a celebration during halftime festivities of the football team’s first home game. The entire golf team plans to return for the festivities.

“It’s going to be really cool with everyone being back in the building and being able to see that banner,” Rodgers said. “That will be an awesome experience.”