Proud of their achievements

Three years ago, a new softball coach arrived in New Prague, and from day one, Nat Wagner said the team’s goal was to get to the state tournament.

Never mind that the Trojan softball team hadn’t played in a section final since the late 1980s, and that was as a Class A team. Also, never mind that at the time, New Prague was in arguably the best section in the state, with a number of ranked teams to contend with come playoff time.

In Wagner’s second season, the New Prague girls softball team achieved that goal, winning the Section 2AAA championship. While other Trojan teams had shown promise, this one, filled with a lot of youngsters, achieved what many thought impossible.

Two years later, and another new coach (Ashley Walker), playing in a new section (1AAAA), and again the Trojans are in the State tournament.

Another sport, similar success. Back in the early 1990s, it wasn’t uncommon for the New Prague High School track and field teams to be shut out, not have any athletes advance to state. It was considered an achievement for the boys or girls team to score in double digits in the section meet.

Along came a new set of coaches, including current girls coach Johnny Josephson, who set the bar higher. These coaches spent a lot of time recruiting students to come out for track, and the students and coaches worked together and achieved what was once thought impossible. New Prague athletes are regulars at state competitions, and the teams are usually among the top teams in the section.

Just a couple examples of what a little hard work and dedication can do for an athletic program.