The girls cross country team finished first in 5A Division 2 at the state meet on Nov 4, thus becoming the first state champions in OHS history.

OHS honored the first state champions with special championship rings on Feb 2.

“We bought the rings for cross country for two reasons: to honor them for their accomplishment, and to give them something that would memorialize their achievement for a lifetime,” said Jack Dillard, principal.

The team, along with coaches Brian Dempsey and Mike Iach, were honored at halftime during the boys home basketball game on Feb 2.

“I thought it was kind of embarrassing because our team is humble, and we don’t really like the showy pizzaz,” said Aleina Eisenhauer, a senior.

The OHS administrators and athletic secretary Susan Perrault were all a part of the ceremony at halftime.

“I liked that I was able to be a part of the ceremony. I got to hand the ring to Mr. Dillard and shake the girls’ hands,” Perrault said. “It was nice to see everyone stay and watch the ceremony.”

The team members and coaches were announced and they walked across the court to receive their rings.

The ring helps each athlete remember their hard work and dedication that eventually led to a state championship and the opportunity to compete in the Nike Team Nationals in Portland, Oregon where they finished 13th.

“I love seeing the ring on my finger,” said Shannon Walsh, a sophomore.

Rings com-memorating championships have long been a tradition at the professional, college, and high school levels. Administrators said they would help purchase rings for any team that won a state championship for OHS.

The silver and blue rings feature each runner’s name on it. The words “state champs” are also inscribed on each ring.