MaxPreps, Army National Guard honor Mustangs
Published 12:25 pm Friday, March 24, 2017
WEST ORANGE — More honors came in for the 2016 Class 4A Division II State Champion West Orange-Stark Mustangs Friday morning.
The Mustangs were named one of the best teams in the nation by The MaxPreps Tour of Champions and the Army National Guard.
The Mustangs completed a perfect 16-0 season when they strolled past Sweetwater 24-6 in the State Championship Game in Arlington last December.
“Anytime you can keep the name West Orange-Stark in front of people, it’s a great honor,” said Mustang coach Cornel Thompson. “Any notoriety that comes our way is outstanding.”
“Each fall, over sixteen thousand varsity football teams take the field in hopes of being champions,” said Andy Beal, president and founder of MaxPreps. “The MaxPreps Tour of Champions and the Army National Guard honor the most outstanding teams in the nation for their state championship performance and elite national ranking. Congratulations to the West Orange-Stark players, coaches and fans for an amazing year and for earning the Army National Guard’s national rankings trophy.”
The Mustangs finished ranked No. 74 in the nation for all classifications.
Texas Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Salmin Roebuck presented Coach Thompson and the team with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy during the assembly at Mustang Gym. The team also received a banner for their accomplishment.
“Courage, commitment and unity are just a few qualities that superior athletes, along with the men and women of the Army National Guard, have in common,” said Sergeant First Class Michael Semeja of the Army National Guard.” On behalf of the National Guard, am privileged to recognize this nationally ranked championship team for their dedication, leadership and teamwork.”
MaxPreps Computer Rankings are used to determine team rank for the Tour of Champions.