By Thomas Grant Jr.
In just under a decade of existence, Gray Collegiate Academy has already amassed a robust championship trophy case.
This past year saw both basketball teams sweep their classification and competitive cheer claim its first-ever state title. In addition, both the boys’ soccer and baseball teams finished state runner-up for the second straight year and the softball team reach the Lower State final.
Based on this year’s Carlisle Cup final tally, only sister school Oceanside Collegiate and Bishop England fared better in Class 2A than Gray Collegiate. Sponsored by the S.C. Athletic Administrators Association, the cup uses a formula to total up points awarded for each sport at each school based on how their teams finish in the state championships and region standings.
Oceanside Collegiate finished in first place with 1,100 points, the highest total amassed by any school in any classification. It was followed by Bishop England with 860 points, then Gray Collegiate with 810 points.
Mid-Carolina, whose softball team finished state runner-up in softball, finished sixth in Class 2A.
“Just a testament to how hard our coaches and players work to prepare for each sport season,” Gray Collegiate Academy athletics director and head football coach Adam Holmes said. “Just as successful we have been in the classroom; we want to be successful on the athletic fields and this proves that. Next year, with all our new facilities on campus, our push will be to finish higher than we did this past year. It won’t be easy, but with the work and commitment of our school, coaches, and players, it’s attainable.”
Oceanside Collegiate and Gray Collegiate faced each other in three state finals. The Landsharks won in boys’ soccer and baseball, while the War Eagles were victorious in basketball for their fourth state title.
Feature photo: The Gray Collegiate Academy boys basketball team after winning the Class 2A title. Photo by George Matsui
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