A Champions Parade and Celebration… Community leaders, fans celebrate Cyclone’s state title on Monday
Published 6:11 am Wednesday, December 11, 2019
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BY IVAN SANDERS
STAR SPORTS EDITOR
The community and its leaders showed up to line the streets from Beef O’Bradys to Citizens Bank Stadium to celebrate with the Elizabethton Cyclones their 2019 BlueCross Bowl Football Championship which carried historic proportions since it was the first recognized title by the TSSAA who didn’t start doing so until 1969.
That wouldn’t matter, however, on this night as it was about showing love and appreciation to the team that won the first state title north of Greeneville since the 70’s when Dobyns-Bennett did so in representing the Tri-Cities area.
After being led by the ‘Betsy band around the block, the team, cheerleaders, coaches, and support teams arrived at the stadium where those who had watched the parade gathered to celebrate.
With a large crowd attentively listening to every word shared, Carter County’s two acting mayors – Curt Alexander of Elizabethton and Rusty Barnett who serves as Carter County mayor, offered words of congratulations to the team.
Elizabethton High School principal Jon Minton also showered praise on the team not only for their title but bringing attention to all the activities and study going on at the school.
Athletic Director Forrest Holt offer thanks to everyone who had a part in the season from sponsors who had giveaways throughout the year to local media who covered the team.
Shawn and Ryan Witten offered their thanks to the community for being so supportive of this team and their lives since arriving in Elizabethton to be coached by their grandfather – Dave Rider.
At the conclusion of the speeches, a new plaque was unveiled on the east end of the stadium showing the Cyclones brand new title that went along with state championships in cross country and basketball.
The following are just a few photos of the event taken by Ivan Sanders of the parade and celebration.
