Monday, March 22, 1999
Mason girls get warm homecoming
BY MICHAEL D. CLARK
The Cincinnati Enquirer
MASON — Their team lost a state championship and a national ranking, but adoring fans showed Sunday that the Mason Comets remain No. 1 in their hearts.
As a bus carrying the Mason High School girls basketball team from Columbus pulled into the high school's parking lot, more than 120 fans and friends applauded.
Cheers, tears and hugs greeted the girls, whose team had been rated No. 1 nationally and was favored to win the state Division I championship until a key injury felled one of their stars.
Those who took the time to stand in the parking lot late Sunday morning said they were there to console the team but also to offer thanks for a thrilling and wildly successful season.
“These are super girls,” said Mason resident Rick Crain. “But you know, as good as they are as basketball players, they are even better people.”
Dave Wicks, a 15-year resident of Mason, said he has never seen the community rally behind a high school team as it has the Comets.
“They have done more for the morale of this community than I've ever seen. It was a real heart-breaker of a loss,” Mr. Wicks said of Saturday's 46-30 defeat to Pickerington in Ohio State University's St. John Arena.
“I'm still shaking from the games,” he said referring to the Division I championship contest and Friday's state semifinal game, when the Comets defeated Toledo Central Catholic, 51-45.
“Everybody is really proud of them. They have represented the city well,” Mr. Wicks said.
Dallas Williams, a senior on the team, was overwhelmed by the outpouring as she stepped off the bus. “It's awesome,” Ms. Williams said with tearing eyes. “We're totally appreciative.”
She added: “The fans were like our sixth man at games. They were behind us all year. We'll never forget this.” .
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