CENTERBURG — When you drive to Centerburg along U.S. 36, the first thing you see when you reach town is a sign that reads “Way 2 Go Trojans.”
The Centerburg High School girls basketball team has become the talk of the town. Literally.
The Trojans are in the Division III Elite Eight for the first time ever. And the people in town couldn’t be more excited.
“We’ll have three or four people in here at any given moment talking about the team,” said Kelly Mead, owner and operator of Kelly’s Place in Centerburg. “Usually, it’s more.”
It isn’t just confined to bars. Signs of support are posted in front of businesses all through the village. Barber shops, pizza places, antique shops and bookstores are showing their support of the Trojans.
In front of Derf’s Pizza and Wings, students brought a homemade sign after the Trojans won Wednesday’s regional semifinal, which the owners proudly display in the front window.
The Centerburg citizens don’t need the signs to get the message that this team is something special.
“They’re the best team that’s ever come to Centerburg,” said Angie Guthrie, a former Centerburg player and a graduate from 2004. “So, that’s pretty exciting. Coach (Todd) Nauman is still wearing the tux and the bright red shoes and the whole deal. Still sporting the classy look. That’s good.”
Guthrie said a lot of past players are keeping up with this year’s team.
“A lot of former players have been coming to the games,” said Guthrie. “I’ve even seen some people who don’t live around here, who used to go here, come out and support them.”
“There’s a lot of people talking,” said Centerburg fan Dan Tucker. “Wednesday, during the game, I don’t think there was anybody in Centerburg.”
There were some left behind, but those still in town were likely by their phones, waiting to hear what happened in the game.
“There was a lot of celebrating here when we got the call that they won,” said Mead.
