ANTWERP — On Saturday, December 21, Antwerp Local School honored the five-year anniversary of one of the most remarkable boys’ basketball teams in school history — the 2019-2020 Antwerp Archers. The celebration paid tribute to a team that etched its name in local lore, accomplishing feats that set them apart in the annals of Antwerp sports.
The 2019-2020 Archers were a powerhouse on the court, becoming the only boys’ team in Antwerp history to complete an undefeated regular season. Their dominance extended beyond the regular season as they captured the Green Meadows Conference (GMC) Championship, the Sectional Championship, and the District Championship. Their stellar season earned them the #2 ranking in the final Associated Press State Poll, cementing their place as one of Ohio’s elite teams.
The Archers’ journey came to a bittersweet end in the Regional Semifinals, where they suffered a hard-fought loss. However, the team’s story took an even more unexpected turn when the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought life — and sports — to a standstill. With the world in upheaval, the team’s incredible accomplishments went largely uncelebrated, leaving a void in the recognition they deserved.
Saturday’s event finally gave the team, their families, and the community an opportunity to come together and celebrate their achievements. Players, coaches, and fans reminisced about the magical season that brought pride and excitement to Antwerp. It was a night filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and a long-overdue sense of closure for a team that overcame challenges both on and off the court.
“Their hard work, camaraderie, and excellence epitomize what it means to be an Archer,” said one spectator after the event.
The recognition event served not only as a celebration of the team’s accomplishments but also as a reminder of the resilience and unity that define Antwerp’s athletic tradition. For those who lived it, the 2019-2020 season will forever remain a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose.
