HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Remembering a legacy

Editor's note: Here is your chance to tell your story about your team, your school or your favorite player. If you'd like to join The Gazette's growing list of high school contributors, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com

By Kayla Schueller, Dubuque Wahlert senior

DUBUQUE - The buzzer sounded and the crowd roared as the ball dropped through the net.

Wahlert, the smallest high school in Dubuque, had just won the state championship and no one wearing blue or gold had ever been happier. It was as if those boys were on top of the world and only those lucky enough to be a part of the nearly sold out crowd were there as witness.

That was six years ago.

Unfortunately, Wahlert has not played in the state boys' basketball championship game since.

Everyone who has walked through the doors of Wahlert has heard the story of that team and the legacy it left behind. Each individual Eagle has hoped and prayed for the day Wahlert would once again advance to the state championship. Students proudly cheer their hearts out in the Eagles Nest and fight hard, along with the team.

But sadly, Wahlert has fallen short of the ultimate goal each year.

Never again, has anyone felt as hopeful as the team of 2008 did. That is, until this year.

When the fall sports ended, and it came time for athletes to focus their energy on winter sports, 15 Eagles proudly turned to basketball. They had only one dream in mind: make it to state.

As the season began, the Golden Eagles found themselves with a fresh starting lineup. The team is led by starters ranging from a 6-foot-3 senior playing guard to a 6-7 sophomore playing center. And when it came time for the first game, the Eagles were immensely disappointed after a loss.

The real story, however, lies within the following weeks. In the 10 games since that loss, the Golden Eagles are undefeated and, once again, on top of the world. Now ranked No. 1 Class 3A by the Associated Press, the Eagles are approaching the remainder of their season with hopeful hearts and ready athletes.

If there is one thing high school students can learn from this team, it's to never quit. Had this team decided to give up after the first game, everyone would have missed out on some amazing games and showdowns.

So use this team as your example and don't ever quit. Ultimately, if you do, you might miss out on some pretty great memories.