14 News, The Tri-State's News and Weather Leader-Fans welcome state champs back home

Fans welcome state champs back home

Posted by Sarah Harlan - email

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - It's been almost 24 hours since the Reitz Panthers clinched their second state championship in the last three years.

It's something the team, and its fans, will be celebrating for years to come.

Saturday, thousands of Reitz fans made the trip to Indy to root on their team, and Sunday, the Panthers are getting the chance to celebrate their 4A state title.

They call it Reitz Nation. Coaches and players have talked all year long about the amazing support they've received from their fan base.

They filled up the Reitz Bowl in the semi-state victory over Indianapolis Cathedral, and the team said the fans were a huge factor in helping the Panthers go undefeated yet again.

The Panthers returned home to an overflowing gym at Reitz High School Sunday night.

Fans, family, and friends were there to congratulate the champs, following their 23-to-9 victory over Lowell.

In all, 20 seniors ended their high school careers with not one, but two state championships, and Head Coach Tony Lewis said he knew he had a special team, weeks before the season even started.

"We felt like we had the right kids," Lewis said. "If we could stay healthy, and continue to improve and be playing our best football come playoff time, we felt like we could have a special team. We had some seniors that believed that. They passed it on to the juniors and sophomores. A lot of credit goes to our assistant coaches. They did a great job getting these guys ready to play and I'm just privileged to be a part of it."

Many of Reitz' key players will still be around for at least one more year, so don't be surprised to see the Panthers make another run to Lucas Oil in the near future.

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