METAMORA, Illinois (WMBD) – The Metamora Redbirds were welcomed back home Sunday after winning the 3A boys basketball state championship in Champaign over the weekend.
The team received a police and fire escort around the area, which ended at the high school. Hundreds of supporters gave them several standing ovations as they returned with their gold medals and the state trophy.
The ceremony featured multiple speakers, including Principal Charlie Zimmermann, coach Danny Grieves and several players themselves. The athletes thanked family, friends, old teammates and the thousands of fans who supported the Redbirds all year.
It really is like no better feeling you know all credit to our fans and our guys working year round to get where we are today. Surreal, there’s no way to describe it, it’s still sinking in.
Briar Cremeens, Metamora Senior
You know the experience of Champaign is like no other. Being there with the guys is so fun that championship feeling is great we’re just glad to be back and finally on top this time.
Kayden Hartnett, Metamora Senior
Pretty crazy you know…in the hotel with my friends and stuff and the locker room was crazy.
Matthew Zobrist, Metamora JuniorIt’s awesome. We got the best fans in the state. Just to get on the court and see red everywhere and know we got that support. Know we’ve got the community back us up it’s awesome.
Luke Hopp, Metamora Junior
