Boyle County sophomore Cheyenne Evans won the Boyle girls' first individual state title and was also part of their first two relay state championships. The Rebels went to the state with high expectations, but to come home with three state titles was stunning.
And it was certainly nice to see Mercer County senior Loran Crowell win the Class AA discus. There's not a more intense competitor, or better all-around student-athlete, than Crowell.
* Softball
No matter what happens at the state tourney, Garrard has already had a historic season by winning the school's first regional softball crown. That's something no area team had ever done until the Golden Lions handled the pressure of being the favorite all season and claimed the regional title.
Garrard could add to its legacy with a win or two at the state tourney, but even if that doesn't happen this year has been special.
Garrard should also be solid again next year with players like sophomore Jessica Speake and junior Hagan Goldey returning.
Danville's Chelsea Wallace also put her name all over the state record book before her stellar career ended, and she set school records that might never be broken.
* Baseball
The area didn't produce a regional championship, but the area did host the 12th Region Tournament for the first time. Boyle not only was a superb host with a hospitality room and free T-shirts for each player in the tourney, but the Rebels reached the title game before losing to West Jessamine.
Danville's young team also made a surprising late-season push by winning the 45th District crown and almost stunning West Jessamine in the semifinals.
* Tennis
Garrard County's Phillip Arndt became the first area player to ever reach a singles final. He didn't win, but he proved a player from this area could indeed play with the state's elite.
He also became the first Garrard tennis player to sign a Division I scholarship.
On the girls side, Boyle County freshman CeCe Witten became the first area girl ever to reach the singles semifinals, and Lincoln County sophomore Haley Hart became the first Patriot ever to advance to the quarterfinals.
Appreciate all these accomplishments because we may never seen another year quite like this, and congratulate all those athletes who made this spring so memorable and historic.
