2010: Triumphant year for local sports

MOUNT VERNON — It was another roller-coaster ride to remember in 2010 for sports fans throughout Knox County.

The story of the year, arguably, is Fredericktown football’s impressive run in the playoffs. The Mid-Buckeye Conference champion Freddies did what they had never done before — claimed a regional championship and took a trip to the state semifinals.

Following an unbeaten 10-0 season under new head coach Brian Baum, the Freddies easily made their way to the Region 19 championship, where they claimed a hard-fought 28-21 victory over Oak Hill for the team’s first regional title. The loss to Coldwater in the state semifinal hardly put a damper on what was the best season in Fredericktown football history.

The Highland Scots (9-3) were back in the postseason as well, qualifying for the fifth straight year. After a victory over Portsmouth West, they ran into a brick wall called Ironton.

The Mount Vernon Yellow Jackets had their best season in years, coming within one game of the Capital Division championship in the Ohio Capital Conference. Following a 1-3 start, the Jackets reeled off five straight victories, including a thrilling 36-33 victory over Big Walnut in Week 9. Mount Vernon dropped its season finale against division champion New Albany, 21-6. Had they won, the Jackets would have claimed a share of the title and had an outside chance at a playoff spot.

It was the first winning record in seven years for Mount Vernon. It would also be the last for head coach Gary Keller, who announced he was stepping down in late December.

Area golfers found success on the links this fall. The Centerburg Trojans advanced to the state tournament, where they finished sixth. Seniors Garrison Myles and Troy Lemke led the Trojans, finishing third and 20th as individuals, respectively.

Mount Vernon’s Charlie Phillips returned to the state tournament for the third time, finishing third as an individual. The Jackets just missed going to state as a team, finishing fourth in the district tournament.

Knox County saw another national title for the Kenyon Lords swim team. In 2010, Kenyon won the NCAA Division III championship for the 31st time in its storied history — more NCAA championships than any team in any sport, at any level. And the Lords are looking to repeat once again; they’re currently ranked No. 1. The Kenyon Ladies, who have claimed 23 of the past 27 national titles, are No. 1 as well, for the first time in two years.

The Centerburg Trojans boys basketball team had the best success on the court in 2010. The Mid-Buckeye Conference champs, led by All-Ohio honoree Skyler Simpson, won the district title by defeating Bloom-Carroll in a thriller at the Columbus Fairgrounds Coliseum, 49-46. Centerburg then advanced to the regional quarterfinals at Bowling Green State University, where it ran into eventual state champion Lima Central Catholic.

Danville finished dead last in the conference (1-13), but don’t tell its playoff opponents. The Blue Devils surprised everyone with an inspired run all the way to the district semifinals, where it lost to eventual state runner-up Newark Catholic.

bdavis@mountvernonnews.com