MaxPreps Volleyball Tour of Champions celebrates Eagan High Schoo

On the cold, snowy morning of Dec. 16, the 12th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions, presented by the Army National Guard, arrived at Eagan (Minn.) High School, home of the Wildcats girls volleyball team. The 2016 Eagan Wildcats were selected to be honored on the Volleyball TOC after setting a single-season record for wins as the they finished 31-1 and avenged their lone loss of the season by beating Champlain Park (3-1) on Nov. 12 to claim their second straight Minnesota state title. This is the third state championship over the past four years for Eagan volleyball and its seventh overall.

Eagan, nationally ranked No.20 by MaxPreps, is one of only 10 volleyball teams this year to receive the prestigious honor from MaxPreps and the Army National Guard for its state championship and high national ranking.

MaxPreps and Minnesota Army National Guard SFC Scott Accurso arrived on campus at 8 a.m. to prepare for the TOC trophy presentation scheduled to take place at 9:20 a.m. during a special fall sport pep assembly. At the bell, approximately 2,200 students, parents, coaches, administrators and community members poured into the gymnasium to the sound of taped music, excited about this wonderful event. With her calm and friendly manner, Athletic Director Sandra Setter welcomed everyone and began the program.

The lights were dimmed and state performers in girls swimming, boys cross country and adaptive soccer were recognized in a PowerPoint presentation. Each name and team flashed on the screen was met with a raucous applause.

Next, as the girls volleyball team made its way to the main stage, carrying their state trophy, the lights dimmed again and the traditional drum cheer began, filling he gymnasium with clapping and cheering.

Athletic Director Setter started by individually introducing each of the twelve players on the 2016 volleyball team along with the two coaches and then introduced MaxPreps representative Glenn Martin who congratulated the Wildcats on their successful season. Martin talked about the significance of the award and the great work MaxPreps does to emphasize and promote high school athletics. He also explained the partnership between MaxPreps and the Army National Guard. All who were in attendance applauded the Eagan Wildcats for their commitment to athletic excellence, sportsmanship and academic success.

For the main event, Martin introduced Minnesota Army National Guard SFC Scott Accurso. He greeted the crowd and congratulated the team and coaches on their outstanding season accomplishments. SFC Accurso then presented the Army National Guard national ranking trophy and nationally ranked rafter banner to head coach Kathy Gillen who has led the Wildcats program to seven state championships.

As AD Setter concluded the program, one of the players tossed a volleyball into the crowd which began a loud repeated cheer, "We've got the ball!" This is a long-standing tradition among student fans at Eagan and is recognized by volleyball fans around the state.

After the assembly, parents gathered around the team and numerous photos were taken of the girls with the trophy and rafter banner. Congratulations Eagan Wildcats!

Click here to view the Eagan TOC photo gallery and for more information about the Volleyball TOC, please visit the MaxPreps Tour of Champions site.