The first OHSAA State football champions in Tuscarawas County history got their rings on Wednesday.
The Indian Valley Braves celebrated their 16-and-0 football season and Division 4 state championship at Braves Stadium. Each player received a bejeweled gold ring featuring a red arrowhead over a football inscribed with their name and team’s accomplishments.
Ohio Mr. Football finalist Grady Kinsey made sure to thank the community.
“First off I just want to thank everybody that’s came out here tonight. This environment has just gave me so much joy. It feels like almost a Friday night right now and speaking of joy, last season was the best thing I’ve been a part of in my whole life.”
Coach Matt Lancaster got emotional as he thanked God, his wife, coaches, players, support staff, the school district and the community who showed up for one of the most exciting state championship games ever – a 37-36 Braves win over Sandusky Perkins.
The Braves players were also gifted their game-worn jerseys from the state championship game in box frames.
USP Signs and Graphics and Addy Polaris bought the team all new jersey’s so they could keep the ones from the championship game.
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