Maroons Salute State Champs

Champions typically hang their title banners from the rafters. Today, the state champion girls lacrosse team encountered its first obstacle of the year — unfurling its new banner.

"Those girls work better on the field than they do in here," athletic director Greg McDonald said.

Eventually the "RHS Girls Lacrosse 2010 Champions" banner was properly displayed to the gathering of students, faculty, and staff as Ridgewood High School, which celebrated its first state title.

"I hope this is the first of many celebrations," Principal Jack Lorenz said. "It came down to the last 55 seconds where our girls kept our composure, and the other team didn't."

The varsity team honored its players and coaches for a 23-1 record and sectional, Group IV, and state titles.

Ranked No. 5 nationwide and, of course, No. 1 in the state, the girls defeated West Morris for the title June 5 at Rutgers University in New Brunswick.

"We had some heart-pounding, nail-biting, record-breaking, historical events happen this year," said Mixon, also the state girls lacrosse coach of the year. "We literally left our blood, sweat, and tears on the field."

Mixon, who was named Benjamin Franklin Middle School teacher of the year, thanked all of Ridgewood High School for its support — especially fellow teachers who worked around the girl's hectic playoff schedules.

For McDonald, the girl's title was an exclamation point for all clubs.

"It's a culmination of a great year for all our teams," McDonald said. All RHS spring teams qualified for state playoffs—the first time in school history.

The girls unfurled a new banner destined to hang from Ridgewood's rafters for years to come. Parents from the girl's team donated the massive championship emblem.

Written around the edges, words like "fate," "teamwork," and "determination" frame the names of the championship players. McDonald said he's going to have to find a good place for that banner.