ST. GEORGE — Dixie fans, students and parent celebrated the Flyers 2014 state football championship in two celebrations, one Friday night when the team returned to southern Utah and the second Monday at Walt Brooks Stadium during a school-wide assembly.
Fans greeted the team late Friday evening at the Flyers home football field in an impromptu celebration as Dixie PA announcer and fan Roger Christensen announced the arrival of the team. Team members, weary from the game and long bus ride, perked up as they entered the stadium and hoisted the 2014 3AA Championship trophy.
Monday afternoon classes were suspended for an hour as the team rode in on a fire truck and was honored by the students and faculty at Dixie.
“You know, we didn’t have one outstanding leader, but these guys behind me came to practice every day for the last four years and made sure everyone was there,” Dixie coach Blaine Monkres said, honoring his team and its 20 or so seniors. “You talk about resilience — that’s this group. We had to deal with a lot of injuries and it’s a credit to the character these guys have, the emotion and the heart that they played with all year long.”
Dealing with that rash of injuries, Dixie started the year 2-4. But the Flyers won their last eight games in a row, avenging earlier losses to Pine View and Hurricane along the way.
Mayor Jon Pike, who had four of his children attend Dixie High, was there and gave a brief speech honoring the team. Mike Welker, a local attorney and the team’s booster club president, also spoke and paid tribute to the team’s heart.
DHS principal Darla Campbell was presented the trophy by Flyers star quarterback Ammon Takau.
“We’re going to keep this trophy at Dixie High School, 3AA State Champions,” Campbell said. “It’s so rare and special to bring home this trophy. I’m very proud of this team, but I’m also proud of you, the studentbody. We have the best fans in the state of Utah. There’s been incredible support from parents and incredible coaches and players.”
Each player was introduced individually by Christensen, with fans sending a warm ovation. The players were decked out in Dixie blue for the occasion.
The football season began Aug. 22 and concluded last Friday with Dixie’s 27-19 win over Hurricane.
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Dixie students and fans gather at Walt Brooks Stadium to honor the Flyers' 2014 State Championship football team, St. George, Utah, Nov. 24, 2014. | Photo by Andy Griffin, St. George News. Dixie enters Walt Brooks Stadium for a rally to honor the Flyers' 2014 State Championship football team, St. George, Utah, Nov. 24, 2014. | Photo by Andy Griffin, St. George News. Dixie enters Walt Brooks Stadium for a rally to honor the Flyers' 2014 State Championship football team, St. George, Utah, Nov. 24, 2014. | Photo by Andy Griffin, St. George News. Dixie arrives back in town to a celebration Friday night, St. George, Utah Nov. 21, 2014 | Photo by Jenn Amico, St. George News Dixie arrives back in town to a celebration Friday night, St. George, Utah Nov. 21, 2014 | Photo by Jenn Amico, St. George News Dixie arrives back in town to a celebration Friday night, St. George, Utah Nov. 21, 2014 | Photo by Jenn Amico, St. George News Dixie players enjoy the spotlight, Salt Lake City, Utah Nov. 21, 2014 | Photo by Jenn Amico, St. George News Dixie arrives back in town to a celebration Friday night, St. George, Utah Nov. 21, 2014 | Photo by Jenn Amico, St. George News Players mug, Dixie arrives back in town to a celebration Friday night, St. George, Utah Nov. 21, 2014 | Photo by Jenn Amico, St. George News Dixie enters Walt Brooks Stadium for a rally to honor the Flyers' 2014 State Championship football team, St. George, Utah, Nov. 24, 2014. | Photo by Andy Griffin, St. George News. Mayor Jon Pike speaks at Walt Brooks Stadium at a rally to honor the Flyers' 2014 State Championship football team, St. George, Utah, Nov. 24, 2014. | Photo by Andy Griffin, St. George News.
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Congratulations guys, that is awesome!!