'This is our time now.' Louisville Leopards leave for state finals after pep rally
LOUISVILLE ‒ As the crowd's claps intensified, the moment pulsated off the gym walls. This was no ordinary Wednesday afternoon at Louisville High School.
It was the day the Louisville Leopards boys basketball team headed to Dayton to compete in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III state championship game.
"We're going to Dayton to win a state championship. We're not going to Dayton to just participate," Leopards head coach Tom Siegfried told the Leopard Nation faithful.
A late afternoon crowd of students and community members came to the high school at 1201 S. Nickelplate St. to celebrate with players and coaches before the team left.
The pep rally started at 4:30 p.m. followed by a send-off outside around 5:30 p.m. The bus received a police escort out of town.
The Leopards (23-5) face Cincinnati Aiken at 1 p.m. Friday at the University of Dayton Arena. Classes have been canceled for Friday.
High school Principal Garry Tausch praised the players, coaches and the program, declaring the "moment reflects years of hard work."
The Leopards defeated Garfield Heights on Sunday in a comeback thriller, 49-48, to reach the finals.
"(You've) shown heart and true sportsmanship," he said.
Among those in attendance were Louisville Mayor Patricia Fallot and 69-year-old Harry Sells, a longtime supporter. His children and grandchildren were or are students in the district.
"I haven't missed a game," Sells said. "They've been a joy to watch."
He said he expects a large contingent of the Leopard Nation to travel to Dayton and support the team.
"The community is backing them 100%," Sells added.
Fallott and Sells felt confident in the team's chances to return home with title.
"We're going to win," Fallot declared. "We're excited. What it has brought to our community, and it has made Louisville known for something outstanding. People will recognize Louisville now."
Seigfried praised past and present players, coaches and others for their contribution to a program he has fostered for the last 18 years; and he thanked his family.
He said the team purposely played multiple defending state champions across five states, including California, this season to be battle-tested for a title run.
"This is our time now," Sells said.
If the team wins, Fallot said she anticipated the community will line streets and celebrate when the bus arrives home.
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Louisville High School leaves for OHSAA basketball finals in Dayton
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