Lovell Joy (right) scores a touchdown against Jack Britt in the 4-AA Championship at Keenan Stadium in Chapel Hill on Dec. 14, 2008. Joy and the rest of the Raiders received their championship rings at the annual football banquet on Monday.
Richmond County Daily Journal
The 2008 Richmond Raiders state championship football team’s special season was commemorated during its annual banquet on Monday.
The 68 team members and 14-member coaching staff received their state championship during the banquet held in the Richmond Senior High School cafeteria.
The school’s principal, Cory Satterfield, and Richmond County Schools superintendent, Dr. George Norris, spoke at the banquet about the team’s ability to overcome adversity during the season to win the school’s eighth championship.
Raiders coach Paul Hoggard talked about the delight of handing out the rings after leading the team to its first championship in 10 years.
“I thought the banquet was great, and we had a great turnout,” Hoggard said. “The attendance of our kids was really good and you know it would be when they were going to get their rings. The anticipation was really neat for all of us. The kids had been chomping at the bit to receive their rings.”
Players like quarterback Tedarrius Wiley and offensive lineman Robbie Taylor said they were going to store their rings at home, and not wear them. However, Taylor joked about wearing it on trips to Fayetteville or when the Raiders battle Jack Britt in the future.
Richmond defeated the Buccaneers 38-35 to win the 4-AA title.
Linebacker Phillip Legrande felt a little different than his teammates.
“I will probably wear it around for at least a good week, and then put it away,” Legrande said. “I don’t want to wear it out, but getting it is a dream come true. It’s just a special occasion because this may be the last time we all will gather together in one place. This is something we all can treasure forever.”
According to Raiders athletic director Hal Shuler, the team selected Jostens in Rockingham to make the championship rings.
“Jostens does rings all over the country, and they happen to have one right in town” Shuler said. “We felt like staying local helped us and helped the community as well. We felt like we got a good deal on it.”
Shuler said the rings cost $150 apiece, and while the rings have a gold color, they are not gold. He added the athletic department is using different methods to pay for the rings.
“We’re selling the game jerseys, we’re going to have a fund raiser in which we sell posters, and we’re using the gate receipts at the state championship game,” Hoggard said. “On top of that, any donations are welcome.”
Hoggard said the event was a great way to cap the 2008 season, but knows Raider fans are itching for the 2009 team to win the school’s ninth championship.
“Right now, we all are getting ready for the next season,” Hoggard said. “In Richmond County, they want to win the next one, and we’re going to work on making that happen.”
n Contact sports reporter Corey Davis at 997-3111, ext. 44; e-mail cdavis@yourdailyjournal.com
This article and story also teache's the kids, family and community something else.
10-12 years ago i think people as a whole took winning championships for granted, winning it year after year or, every other year (actually it's hard not too).
Since it's been 10yrs since they last one a champioship, you learn to appreciate the experience and journey in winning that championship. It's something that no matter what people say an opinion's change, you cant change history...."it is what it is, forever"!
Congrads to those kids, coaches, community.....because sports are year around now!
You don't have that luxuary to wait 7-8months and start practice for the next 4mon's and expect to be successful and win a "SHIP"!
Preparation is the 1st step to success. Congrads again....bc it wasn't given to you, you earned it!
Good job Mr. Davis!