Cobden celebrates championship Illinois High School Association Class 1A softball tournament

For the second time in as many years, Cobden is celebrating a state championship.

The Cobden High School softball team on Saturday won its second consecutive Illinois High School Association Class 1A championship.

And, for the second year in a row, Cobden defeated Alexis United for the championship. The title game was played Saturday afternoon in East Peoria.

Cobden and Alexis United squared off in a classic 19-inning contest in which only a single run was scored.

The Lady Appleknockers scored that run and brought home the 2009 1A championship trophy with a 1-0 win.

When the Cobden softball team returned home late Saturday night aboard a charter bus,  local emergency services vehicles were on hand to welcome the squad back to Union County.

A noisy parade made its way through Cobden. Fireworks popped in the sky as the bus arrived at Cobden High School for an enthusiastic welcome home.

Even more enthusiasm was evident Sunday afternoon, when a reception was held to honor the state champions.

The reception, attended by hundreds of people, was in the Cobden High School gymnasium.

Cobden co-athletic director Blayne Smith welcomed those who had gathered to honor their champions. Smith  introduced each of the players and the coaching staff.

Jenna Lehr and Lindsey Morrison, the two seniors on  the softball team, presented the state championship trophy to Karl Sweitzer.

Sweitzer is superintendent of Cobden School District 17 and principal of the high school.

Sweitzer praised the softball team. "They are very, very good people – and we love them dearly," he said.

Nathan Emrick, head coach of the state championship team, was introduced by Sweitzer. Emrick was given a standing ovation.

"Wow," he responded.

Emrick then shared some numbers that were important to his squad during the 2008-2009 softball season, including:

47: the number of wins the team had during the fall and spring seasons. The total is a school record.

32: the number of victories for the team this spring.

24: the number of South Egyptian Conference wins Cobden had this season.

19: the number of innings in the Class 1A championship game.

14: the number of girls on the team.

8: the number of Illinois teams which have won back-to-back championships.

2: the number of consecutive state championships Cobden now has won.

1: "The number of teams left standing at the end of the day. That's our team, the Cobden Appleknockers," Emrick said.

Emrick said that several factors contributed to his team's success during the season, including the trust players and coaches had for each other.

"It really came down to having a common goal – that was winning as a team," he said.

The coach thanked his players for everything they did to contribute to Cobden's success. He paid tribute to seniors Jenna Lehr and Lindsey Morrison, who were given a standing ovation.

"You two have helped to set the bar for this program," Emrick told the seniors.

Emrick also thanked Cobden's administration, parents, his assistant coaches (including his wife), the booster club and fans. "You guys were awesome," he told the team's supporters.

"Obviously, we need to thank these players," Emrick said. "No matter what the siutation, they gave 110 percent."

In closing, Emrick took a bit of a look into the future, and the possibility that Cobden could win a third straight championship.

"Why not go for three?" he said to cheers.

Lindsey Morrison and Jenna Lehr both voiced their appreciation to those present, and to their teammates and coaches.

"This team will always be my family, forever," a tearful Jenna Lehr said.