A Sandpoint Homecoming

 

THE CHAMPS CAME HOME TO THEIR BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY OF SANDPOINT

A momentous community experience!

This is the stuff which inspires memorable movies. 

I heard references to "Hoosiers" several times over the past couple of days. 

A beautiful story with so many layers, and I can guarantee you that its' not just the coach's mom thinking that.

Family stories. 

Coaches' Stories.

Players' Stories.

Fans' Stories

Pure joy at every turn. 

So many smiles. 

So many tears. 

So much jubilation.

Such a touch of nostalgia and Americana. 

Such grace. 

Such pride. 

So much history remembered and history written. 

Such admiration from all, both near and far, who witnessed, supported and cheered on the culmination of this multi-faceted dream.

Such examples for little girls to follow. 

Such memories to last lifetimes. 

A truly beautiful day in Sandpoint, Idaho.

WELCOME HOME, 2023 IDAHO STATE DIVISION 4A GIRLS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS.

SANDPOINT BULLDOGS.

We're from Sandpoint,

Couldn't be any prouder.

If you can't hear us now, 

We'll yell a little louder. 

Sandpoint City Police and Bonner County Sheriff staff happily escorted the team bus. 

I felt bad in previous posts not knowing much about Willie's other assistants, JV coach Joe and frosh coach Audra (holding the banner). 

Yesterday, I learned from Joe that he grew up in Moses Lake, and my cousin Madalyn's husband Doug took his senior picture. 

Audra moved to Sandpoint from Hawaii, but she's originally from Kansas City.

Nice people. 
 

Marilyn Ward shows off her hoodie with State Champion on the back. 

Everyone on the team and coaches has a hoodie to cherish forever. 

Three generations of assistant coach Madi Schoenberg's (left)  family. 

Grandpa and Grandma drove up from Lewiston for the Champs' Homecoming. 

Yes, it's a lovely trophy.  It will fit very well in the Sandpoint High trophy case. 

Coach Love, Coach Madi and retired Coach Ward. 

In his speech at the awards ceremony, Willie recognized Coach Duane Ward, adding "you started all this." 

And, yes, he did. 

Duane knows persistence, and that's exactly what it took for him to talk Willie into working as his assistant when he was SHS girls head coach. 

I don't think Willie regrets his eventual decision to come aboard.