Clarion Area 2021 PIAA Class-A Girls State Championship Volleyball Team Honored

(Above image by Nate Girvan: the Bobcats with 2021 State Championship photo and banner)

The Clarion Area Bobcats 2021 PIAA Class-A Girls State Championship Volleyball Team was honored with a special Recognition Celebration provided by the Volleyball Boosters, on Wednesday, March 9th, at the High School.

The event began in the auditorium, with Clarion Area Superintendent Dr. Joe Carrico at the podium. In his comments Dr. Carrico that the athletes were leaders in the community and shared that they were District Nine Champions and repeat State Champions. He mentioned that it has been nice watching the girls grow. He shared that he told Head Coach Shari Campbell that he’d like to see the team be back-to-back-back-to back… State Champs.

Dr. Carrico then introduced Pennsylvania State Senator Scott Hutchinson (21st District).

Senator Hutchinson presented a proclamation to Coach Campbell, from the State Senate for the team’s trophy case, mentioning the team’s reputation as “good citizens who treat others well.” He recognized their good sportsmanship and “commitment to excellence.” Senator Hutchinson also mentioned that the Bobcats are ambassadors for Clarion Area and the greater area as well.

Pennsylvania State Representative Donna Oberlander (63rd District) then presented a proclamation from the House of Representatives.

Representative Oberlander shared how the team’s success was extra special to her, as she, along with her husband and daughter and son are all Clarion Area graduates, mentioning that the team made us “Clarion Proud.”

She cited Coach Campbell’s and the team’s “legacy of excellence” through the years and mentioned that the Coaches and team are “family.”

Representative Oberlander mentioned that it is an honor for representatives to recognize state champions from their districts on the House Floor. She mentioned that she has had this privilege three times during her fourteen years as the 63rd District representative. And each time it was for Clarion Area Volleyball State Champions, 2012, 2020 and 2021.

Copies of the proclamation were given for the trophy case, coaches and members of the team.

Next, Coach Campbell mentioned the importance of winning the two-straight state championships. She quoted Senator Hutchinson about the players “bringing out excellence in their teammates,” and Representative Oberlander, about the team’s “unity of purpose” and that they “didn’t realize what they had.”

Coach Campbell shared that the team was 70-8-5 overall in their consecutive championship seasons.

Dr. Carrico then congratulated Coach Campbell on being named the State Coach of the Year.

Clarion County Commissioner Wayne Brosius then presented the county’s proclamation. He shared his congratulations to “the ladies.”

He mentioned that he was a graduate of Keystone and his kids graduated from C-L, but that “everyone was behind the team in their push to the championship.” Commissioner Brosius also mentioned that the team lost only two sets in the whole 2021 season.

Coach Campbell mentioned that it was “awe inspiring” when the town came out to welcome the team home, as they exited the bus and walked the route through Main Street and then too the school.

Then it was time to watch the showing of the Pennsylvania Cable Network’s (PCN) broadcast of the championship match. Those gathered rose from their seats, putting their hands over their hearts as they joined in the National Anthem. Cheers were heard when the Bobcats made good plays and after each set, with the girls complimenting each other; and also, some good-natured ribbing from each other on some of the “few” miscues.

Next a great highlight/documentary by Clarion Area graduate Prince Brooks was shown, featuring comments from Coach Campbell and several players about their accomplishments, struggles, memories and thanks to those who have helped in the journey, followed by highlights as well as some comments from players. A special part of the video was when Coach Campbell mentioned that the team members have something to tell their kids and grandkids about, years from now, as very few teams win Back-To-Back State Championships.

The festivities then moved to the gym where the Championship Trophy, a Championship Medal and commemorative volleyball were displayed on a table on the gym floor. The team revealed the team photo and State Championship Banner.

The team revealed the team photo and State Championship Banner.

Then everyone went to the gym lobby, where the team placed the trophy, medal, commemorative ball and the proclamations in the trophy case, next to the ones from 2020.

The night concluded with cupcakes etc. for the team and guests.

(Fantastic Season Lady Cats!!!! Great Celebration!!!!)

(Thanks to Nate Girvan and Coach Sammi Beichner for their pics!!!!)