It seemed unusual to see Polk County’s volleyball team gathered in the stands Friday, spectators rather than athletes competing on the court.
Soon enough, though, the Wolverines left the stands to take part in a new addition to the schedule.
Ring season.
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The state 1A champions held another celebration of their special season, this time assembling to receive their championship rings during halftime of Polk County’s boys basketball game against Burns.
One at a time, family members at their sides, Polk County players accepted their rings from head coach Molly Hill and assistant coach Christen Smith. There were wide eyes and even wider smiles as each player opened their ring box to see the bauble inside.
Each ring was engraved with the player’s last name and the phrase “Lock In,” a special memory tied to the state final victory over Falls Lake Academy. Inside each ring was a sketch of Deborah, the horse pinata that the team carried to each playoff match.
Hill and Smith also received rings, and each player received medallions to present to their families.
Support from the Polk County community helped make the ceremony possible, and school administrators were quick to thank all who played a role.
