Lady Cats Volleyball Team Honored With State Championship Celebration

(All photos by Nate Girvan) Above: the team poses with the trophy case (complete with front L-R: State Championship medal, and State Championship Match ball; back L-R: District Nine Class-A Championship plaque, PIAA State Class-A trophy, Keystone Shortway Athletic Association plaque.

The 2020 PIAA Class-A State Champion Clarion Area Lady Cats Volleyball Team was honored with big celebration at the High School, on Monday, May 3rd.

The event, which was “VIP” due to Covid restrictions, with each player and coach receiving a limited number of tickets for guests, began in the auditorium. The first order of business was the reading of a proclamation from the Clarion County Commissioners, honoring the team for their monumental achievement. Following the reading, everyone was treated to a replay of the State Championship Match victory over Marian Catholic.

After watching the replay, the players, coaches and guests proceeded to the gymnasium where various momentos were displayed on a table in the middle of the floor. The display included the PIAA Class-A State Championship trophy, along with the State Championship game ball, a State Championship medal, the District Nine Class-A and Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference Championship plaques, as well as, the plaques recognizing the five Lady Cats who were named to the 2020 Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Team. To add to the ambiance, the gym floor lights were turned off, during the ceremony, with only the wrestling introduction light turned on and focusing on the State Championship trophy.

Lady Cats’ Coach Shari Campbell discussed the unforgettable season and the student athletes, introducing each team member.

After the introductions, the team climbed to the top of the the home side stands and unveiled the large State Championship Team Photo and the State Championship Banner which will be displayed for perpetuity, between the 2012 Lady Cats’ State Championship display and the 2000 Boys’ Track and Field State Championship display.

The items on the table were then taken to the lobby, where the seniors the gathering moved to the lobby, where the seniors placed the State Championship trophy, the District Nine and KSAC plaques, the State Championship medal and the State Championship Match ball in a display case honoring this great team.

While in the lobby, the All-State players hung their individual plaques on the wall along with the other Lady Cat All-State players plaques from throughout the years. The numbers have piled up, to the point where a separate wing may needed to be set aside, for the Lady Cats’ All-State plaques.

The festivities concluded with the The 2020 Lady Cats being treated with a reception.

Once again, Congratulations to the 2020 Clarion Area Lady Cats – PIAA Class-A State Champions!!!!!!!!!

(Thanks Dr. Joe Carrico for information for the article and to Nate Girvan for his photos.)