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Middletown Madison
MADISON TWP.
Staff photo by Gary Stelzer
The sentiment 'We love our Mohawks' - which appears to be echoed by all of Madison Twp. - is spelled out in cups Thursday, March 4, in front of the Madison Senior/Junior High School campus in Butler County.
Contributed photo by David A. Moodie
Members of the Madison girls' varsity basketball team head to the bus for a tournament game in Springfield Saturday morning, March 6, following a warm up and "Breakfast for Champions" hosted by the high school band for the team and their fans.
Township gripped by Mohawks fever
Fans bask in glow of undefeated basketball teams, strong rating from state, levy’s passage
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By Marie Rossiter,
Staff Writer
Updated 8:03 AM Monday, March 8, 2010
MADISON TWP. — Something has come over the residents of Madison Twp. in recent months.
It can be seen in the red and white streamers lining the streets on telephone poles.
It can be heard in the hundreds of cheers during high school basketball games that have permeated gymnasium walls and filtered into conversations in homes and local businesses.
Right now, residents say, it’s a good time to be a Madison Mohawk.
Having undefeated girls and boys basketball teams — their combined record as of Saturday night, March 6, is 47-0 — makes it easy to jump on the school spirit bandwagon. But, for Madison schools’ staff, students and community of just over 8,600 people, there are plenty of other things to celebrate so far this year.
“Having two successful basketball teams is just icing on the cake for Madison,” said Curtis Philpot, Madison High School principal. “The stars have aligned this year for us and there is a lot of energy and excitement in the schools and in the community.”
Madison’s string of success began well before the basketball season started. In August 2009, the Ohio Department of Education designated Madison as an “excellent” district based on its state report card. In February, voters passed a $1.1 million renewal levy on its first try. And, a new K-12 building will open in August after a two-year construction/renovation project is completed.
Still, perfect regular seasons for both basketball teams have kicked the township’s celebrations into overdrive.
“This is something so big out here, I think it will carry on once the season is over,” said Matt Wilmot, co-owner of the Madison Inn, a local bar in business for more than 30 years. “I don’t think anyone has seen anything like this that I can remember.”
Everywhere you go in Madison Twp. the pride is showing in their two unbeatens
No matter where UPS driver Tom Baldwin goes throughout Madison Twp. recently, the effect of the boys’ and girls’ basketball team’s combined 47-0 season is noticeable.
“Everyone is in a better mood, that’s for sure,” said Baldwin, who also is a Madison Twp. resident. “I see it in the smiles in everybody — from the primary and intermediate schools all the way up to the high school. Teachers, students, you name it.”
There is no denying the ripple effect of the Madison High School’s basketball teams’ “dream season” as many in the township like to call it. The gymnasium has been packed with people young and old as the community rallies to cheer the boy’s and girl’s teams toward a state championship.
“When you go to one of the basketball games, you even see little kids running around saying 'I’m a Mohwak,’” said Mike McGee, owner of The Mike McGee Teaching Center and Golf Range just up the road from the high school. “There’s a pride there. You can see this is something special.”
Velma Pennix, co-owner of Mohawk Pizza in Madision Twp., describes the community’s mood as “jubilant,” which she sees when residents come in for a bite to eat.
“You can see that the school is the hub of this community,” said Pennix. “It drives the whole population. Everyone knows each other through the school and through their children. We’re all connected.”
At Madison High School, the school spirit is evident from the sea of red clothing running through the building’s hallways. “Red-Out Days” are a common thing now, with spirit wear even being sold each Thursday in the cafeteria.
Kristin Murphy, who works with local sportswear shop ALM Team Sports, has had a difficult time keeping up with the demand.
“We’ve always had support of the community,” Murphy said Thursday afternoon as she sold T-shirts and sweatpants to students and parents. “This year, everyone is rallying around and getting into the excitement.”
Kelsey Byrd, a 16-year-old junior, said times have changed since she started at the high school a few years ago.
“It used to be 'oh, we’re having a pep rally,’ ” said Byrd. “Now, everyone wants to get involved. Even the teachers do all they can to make it fun and interesting for us. School spirit is cool and it’s not just about the sports anymore.”
She and other students in the high school band said they have felt the love from both the spectators and even the players.
“You know how the players usually run through a tunnel to start the game?” said Kaylyn Sams, a 16-year-old junior. “The players take the time to do that for us now. The crowd totally gets into the fight song. Everyone is nicer to each other. You can see it everywhere.”
Even after the final whistle is blown to end the basketball season, the students said there will be an energy and momentum that will carry throughout the school year.
“There’s the band, drama, softball, track and so many other things going for us,” said Byrd. “This isn’t going to stop when the games are over.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2551 or mrossiter@coxohio.com.
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2:26 PM, 3/12/2010
As far as the 1972 state team is concerned, They were State Runners-up that year, I believe with a record of 24-2. Losses came at Preble Shawnee and in the Finals against a team from Columbus (Although I can't remeber what their name was, the Col. team also won either the previous year or the following year. Good Luck and Go Hawks.
10:44 PM, 3/11/2010
Middletown Bishop Fenwick - 1982 (1st)
Middletown Madison - 1972
7:15 AM, 3/11/2010
What did Madison win in 1972?? hahaha that's classic.. A regional Championship does NOT equal state.. I mean it's great and all but it's foolish to get on here and tell someone to be classy and keep their facts straight without knowing what you're talking about..
7:12 AM, 3/11/2010
if you are going to post make sure your comments are indeed fact!! this article is about community pride and basketball,not diversity and social/econ.issues!!!
GO MOWHAWKS
12:27 PM, 3/10/2010