Richland Bombers Football Receives More National Recognition
The Richland High School football team has finished No. 64 nationally for the 2017 season.
The announcement was made by MaxPreps, the online high school sports leader and a CBSSports.com site.
"Each fall, over sixteen thousand varsity football teams take the field with the dream of winning a state title. Nationwide, the best-of-the-best qualify for recognition on The MaxPreps Tour of Champions. Together, with the Army National Guard, MaxPreps honors the most outstanding teams in the nation for their state championship performance and elite national level ranking," said Andy Beal, president and founder of MaxPreps.
"Congratulations to the Richland Bombers players, coaches and fans for an amazing year and for earning the Army National Guard's national ranking trophy."
In a battle of unbeatens, Richland outlasted Woodinville, 28-21, on Dec. 2, 2017 as the Bombers completed a perfect season en route to capturing the Washington 4A state championship. It was the school's first title since 1999 and their third overall. The last time the team finished unbeaten was 1914 when the team was 2-0. Richland is one of 50 schools being honored on the MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard.
"Any time we're mentioned by a military service is an honor. But to be ranked in the top one hundred of more than sixteen thousand schools is a testament to the hard work that the kids and the coaches put in," said Richland head football coach Mike Neidhold, who completed his 10th season.
"As a bunch of high school kids loving the game, playing for each other and playing for Richland had all the magic of an undefeated season," Neidhold said of his squad. The 14 victories set the school's single-season record. The Bombers were 13-1 in 2016, having lost the championship contest.
Washington Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Daisy Salvalsa Mann presented Coach Neidhold and the team with the Army National Guard national ranking trophy Wednesday at halftime of the boys' varsity basketball game. The team also received a banner for their accomplishment.
"The Army National Guard represents teamwork and a commitment to community and country. Just as your team joins together to defeat adversity and win, the Army National Guard stands vigilant as a team to protect the community and country in which we live," said Master Sergeant Mark Wojciechowski. "On behalf of the Army National Guard, I am privileged to recognize this nationally ranked championship team for their dedication, leadership and teamwork."
Way to go Bombers!!!