At this point in the school year, Heritage has once again succeeded in establishing itself as a dominant force in high school athletics, no matter the sport. Though the varsity football team fell short of winning another championship, Heritage showcased its winning culture as the girls and boys varsity soccer teams, the girls varsity basketball team and the girls golf team all earned state titles.
Although Heritage is typically a football hotbed and has produced many NFL-caliber athletes (including Sony Michel, Tarvarus McFadden, Isaiah McKenzie and Brian Burns), it is important to take note of the school’s profound success in other sports. Though the football team has been dominant in recent years, Heritage’s excellence in other sports to this point in the athletic season has merely further solidified the winning tradition that has been developed over the years.
By defeating the Gulf Breeze Dolphins 2-1 in the Class 3A state championship, the varsity girls soccer team secured its first state championship since the four season stretch from 2013-2016 when the Patriots became the fourth team in state history to win four straight titles. It also marked the Patriots’ 11th state title, giving them the second most in state history. The boys soccer team’s victory over the Seabreeze Crabs also showcased Heritage’s dominance after it capped off a back-to-back title run and the team’s seventh overall state championship. The girls varsity basketball team also represented the Patriots’ accustomed winning ways following its second straight state title, and the girls golf team achieved its eighth championship. Such prolonged success by these squads have added to the winning culture that has been developed at Heritage.
As for the athletic seasons currently in progress, each team will look to continue to demonstrate the school’s winning ways and possibly bring home the championship. The varsity baseball team, coming off a season in which it was ranked the No. 1 team in the country, currently sit at 6-1 and are in position to make a run in the playoffs. Also, the varsity softball team sports a record of 9-4 and is looking to return to the state championship for the eighth time in a row. The girls varsity track and field team remains dominant as well, with its fair share of top finishers in a variety of meets throughout the season thus far. The boys lacrosse team has also experienced success this season, which is evident in its 8-1 record, and is looking to avenge its loss in the district championship last year. Finally, both the girls and boys varsity tennis teams are in good shape as they currently have records of 8-1 and 6-3, respectively.
Overall, the success of many Heritage sports teams has properly demonstrated the winning culture developed in recent years. Therefore, at the conclusion of this school year, Heritage’s athletic program seems likely to be considered a success, and continues to meet the growing expectation to win in all areas of athletics.
