We Are The Champions

Earning the state champion title means different things to different coaches.After the Gatorade is dumped, after the trophies are raised, after the last party is over, the coaches of the 300-plus high school state champions have time to reflect on their seasons and what winning the state title meant to them, their players, their schools and their communities.To some, becoming a state champion is the culmination of their coaching career. For others, it’s the continuation of a winning tradition. But whether it’s their first championship or tenth, taking home the trophy is an occasion to celebrate and also think about the reasons for their success.Every year, AFM contacts state champion head coaches and asks them to share the stories behind their winning seasons. And every year, more and more coaches say that the journey is at least as important as the title. The maturing of players,