It's the goal that every high school athlete shares at the beginning of each season, but few ever get the chance the play for, the opportunity to win a state championship. Four area baseball and softball teams made it that far this year, an accomplishment none will ever forget.
Some made history just by making it, while others expected to be there all along.
"They made history when they won the region this year, so they continue to make history at our high school," said Kevin Roller, head coach of Marlboro County's softball team, who made their first ever state championship this year.
"Our guys are just so relaxed, going back to last Friday, losing the first game in the Lower States," said St. James baseball coach Robbie Centracchio, "They've been like this all season long, the pressure doesn't get to them, they've got a mission, we're on a mission, and they just focus on being relaxed and that plays a big part when your back's against the wall."
The accomplishment of making it to the state championship has not been lost on any of the area teams, especially at Lake View High School, where the baseball and softball teams are still alive.
"This is a great community, they support their kids, and they support their athletic teams and they support our school. It would be very special for us to be able to do something like that," said Chad Huggins, the Lake View softball coach.
Wednesday night, Marlboro County was the first team to see their season come to an end, falling to Nation Ford in the 3A title.
The St. James baseball squad stayed alive thanks to a 10-3 game two win on their home field.
Regardless of what happens to the Sharks and both Lake View teams, all agree the experience is what they'll never forget.
"The greatest feeling in the world is playing the last game on your home field and to get the ‘W' knowing your playing for the state championship. The fans here were incredible, the atmosphere was just amazing, our announcer did a great job getting everybody into it. It was just a great experience," said Centracchio.
The schedule for the rest of the week looks like this, Thursday, Lake View will play at Chesterfield for a chance to lock up the 1A state baseball title.
Friday, Lake View softball will play Abbeville at Irmo High School for 1A softball.
Saturday, St. James will play Union County at USC Sumter for 3A baseball.
And also on Saturday, Myrtle Beach will play Eastside in Columbia for 3A soccer.
Lake View celebrates after their game one win on Monday
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