RUSSELLVILLE - American Pharoah may have earned horse racing's elusive Triple Crown, but three Russellville High School teams already won a Triple Crown of their own long before the speedy horse easily captured Saturday's Belmont Stakes.
Community members, school administrators and local elected officials hosted a reception Sunday afternoon for Russellville's national championship rocket team and its state champion baseball and boys' golf teams at the A.W. Todd Centre.
Retiring Russellville City Schools superintendent Rex Mayfield congratulated the students but also took time to express his appreciation to the community for its part in the teams' successes.
“Our community has always supported Russellville City Schools in our pursuit of excellence, both financially and in your support of student activities,” Mayfield said. “These three teams are an example of how that support helps create success.”
Prior to this spring's two state sports championships, the most recent state title for Russellville came in 1982 when the boys' basketball team won the Class 3A championship.
Members of the three teams received framed copies of a congratulatory resolution from the Russellville city council, a commemorative T-shirt from mayor David Grissom and the Franklin Free Press and championship rings purchased through funds generously donated from community members.
“On behalf of the city council, I'd like to say congratulations to each and every team member, coach, mom, dad, grandma, granddaddy and every other person who had a hand in the success we honor today,” Grissom said.
Franklin County probate judge Barry Moore read resolutions passed by the Franklin County commission congratulating team members and coaches. Framed copies were presented to baseball coach Chris Heaps, golf coach Ryan Brewer and Team America Rocketry Challenge (TARC) coach Mark Keeton. Keeton will travel with his team to the International Team Rocketry Challenge this summer in Paris, France.
Sen. Larry Stutts also sponsored a resolution in the Alabama Senate congratulating each team on its championship. RHS teacher Kim Burney presented the resolutions Sunday afternoon on behalf of Stutts, who was attending a funeral.
Grissom told the crowd about a grant application for Hal Kirby, Jr. Park and urged citizens to sign a petition in support of the city's efforts to rebuild the facility after recent flood damage.
The City of Russellville is applying for a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant through the State of Alabama. The application is due June 15, 2015, and Grissom said citizen petitions will assist in the city's efforts to obtain funding.
“Hal Kirby Park has been part of our community since the 60s," Grissom said. "This petition is an important part of the grant process. If you're in favor of the city council proceeding with these efforts, please sign it."
RHS students on the three championship teams included:
Team America Rocketry Challenge: Katie Burns, Niles Butts, Andrew Heath, Cristian Ruiz, Cady Studdard, Chelsea Suddith and Evan Swinney.
RHS Varsity Baseball: Judd Ward, Reed Smith, Colin Garrison, Landon Oliver, Landon Ezzell, John Pierce, Austin Kitterman, Andrew Guinn, Cody Greenhill, Russ Carpenter, Rudy Fernandez, Tom Barkley Scott, Chad Wray, Austin Bohannon, Bailey Thompson, Skyler Stephens and Jacob Green.
RHS Varsity Boys Golf: Cameron DeArman, Eli Hodges, Josh Seal, Blake Bendall, Luke Bendall, Triston Tubb, Jaceton Murray, Christian Foster, Jackson Cabaniss, Carson Reeves, Brayden Bendall and Hunter Fuller.
