West Lincoln-Broadwell students celebrate an exceptional season for both girls basketball teams

[December 09, 2017] 

LINCOLN

On Friday afternoon an all-school assembly closed out the day at the West Lincoln-Broadwell School. It was especially to celebrate a second consecutive Class 7-1A Basketball State Championship by the Lady Wolverines. It also served as a celebratory send off for the eighth grade team as they head to Lexington today to try and secure a second state championship in this year for the school.

The assembly began with Principal Heather Baker calling everyone to order, and stating that the school was celebrating the seventh-graders. She asked how many had attended the Thursday night competition, and the cheers went up for the students. She praised all who had gone in support of the team and their school. She noted that this was the team’s third state championship and its first “back to back” as they were also the champions last year.

She then introduced Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman. Goodman began by noting that he too had been a student at WLB and had sat in the same bleachers the kids were seated in now. He then moved on quickly to say that representing the city of Lincoln, he was very proud of the WLB teams. He congratulated the seventh-graders acknowledging their hard work. He then moved on to wish the eighth-graders much success in the Saturday competition.

Next up was Coach Kari Froebe, who spoke proudly about her two wonderful teams. She expressed appreciation to a number of people including many members of the school staff and administration, and acknowledged the hard work of her assistant coaches Farmer and Paulus. She mentioned those who helped at the games with tasks such as keeping box scores, and thanked Lynn Paulus for her photography and for doing such great things as decorating team member lockers.

Froebe acknowledged the support of the booster clubs, and parents of team members saying their contribution of support and time were invaluable.

She added, “I want to thank the fans, especially the students, you were awesome last night, your energy fed us, if you couldn’t tell. We thank you a lot.”

Froebe also acknowledged the Lincoln Fire Departments that have done escorts through the city at momentous victories.

Froebe noted the time her own family, spouse, kids, and parents have invested in the season, thanking them for their constant support.

She noted the 28-0 record and said the team had broken eight team records this year and five individual records. She said WLB has now won the most tournaments of any school in seventh grade IESA history, have the most points in a game, most points in a tournament, most points in a championship game, and fewest points allowed (to opponents) in a tournament. The most two-point field goals in a game, most in a tournament, and most in a championship.

Kloe Froebe broke five individual records for the school - most points in a tournament, most points in a championship, most two-point field goals in a game, most two-point field goals in a tournament, and finally most two-point field goals in a championship.

Froebe then introduced the seventh grade team one at a time, with the volume in the gymnasium so loud the coach with the microphone was nearly drowned out.

Froebe continued on saying that in addition to celebrating the sevent graders, the assembly was there to celebrate and support the eighth grade team. That team is now 25-0 for the season. Froebe then introduced the individual players, again with the bleachers drowning out the microphone.

Froebe then introduced three of the seventh grade players who wished to speak - Kloe Froebe, Elly Martinez, Becca Heitzig and one eighth-grader, Tori Schilling.

The first three took time to thank student’s supporters and parents for their continued belief in the team. Tori Schilling, kept it short, saying that she was hopeful that everyone would come to Lexington to cheer on the eighth grade team.

The eighth grade Lady Wolverines will tip off at 1 p.m. this afternoon at Lexington.

[Nila Smith & Mitch Douglas]