BORDEN — The last time Crothersville was able to hoist the Southern Athletic Conference Championship trophy was in 1984, clinching their second-straight SAC title after winning in 1983.

Fast-forward four decades, seven U.S. presidents later to 2024, and here we are again, as the Tigers defeated South Central on Saturday to end the huge drought. The team compiled a score of 34 to defeat defending champion South Central, who finished 43 points.

Crothersville head coach Bryant Layman spoke on the historic day for the program.

“The feeling is awesome, how can it not be,” Layman said. “It’s not about the coach of the year, because I didn’t do anything. The boys absolutely executed this season perfectly. They knew South Central was the defending champion, they knew it was going to be an uphill climb, and they just ran hard and won it. It’s awesome, how could you not be excited.”

Nolan Brown of South Central won the meet with a 16:16.6. Crothersville filled the standings after the top three scored with Dirk Crater finishing fourth, clocking a time of 17:49.1.

Beau Napier ended in seventh with a 17:54.3, while Koby Davis ended in eighth place with a 18:15.7. Kolton Blevins finished in ninth place with a time of 18:35.9.

Brayden Heath finished 15th with 19:27.9, rounding out the Tigers’ scoring finishes.

Braxton Riley (18th), and Kaleb Moeller (19th) were next for Crothersville before Josh Reynolds (25th) and Jude Howard (36th) finished the placings for the winning Tigers. Coach Layman also was named SAC Coach of The Year.

Seniors Crater and Napier have been a driving force in turning the ‘narrative’ at Crothersville High School, primarily in athletics. They spoke about the feeling of winning the conference meet.

“Last night, we had this big practice, and everyone got together,” Crater said. “We all went to bed excited, knowing we could potentially make history for Crothersville. Historically we haven’t been the greatest team, but we knew with a good performance that we could come out on top and give the town a roar. We came here with one goal: to win the SAC.”

Napier spoke about the change in Crothersville athletics since the time he was a kid.

“It’s just big because growing up, Crothersville has always been the little brother to everybody,” Napier said. “It’s amazing to be the team along with guys like Dirk and Corey, to be the ones to finally start a tradition, because this is not it. Every sport is getting better, and it just feels great.”

Coach Layman spoke on the passion of the team and why he enjoys coaching them.

“Their sheer will to win, their grit and passion for the sport is unbelievable,” Layman said. “I’ve been really pleased to have the opportunity to not only be with them but coach them.”

Both seniors touched on why they enjoy being with these athletes.

“Everybody works hard, it doesn’t matter if someone is hurt or someone needs a ride, we all hang out with each other and everyone works together,” Napier said. “It’s just awesome to be around these guys all the time.”

The steady grind has been worthwhile to this team and Crater.

“When we got to high school, we were really bad,” Crater said. “We’ve been working over these last four years, practicing and getting better with these guys. We are a part of the group that is turning it around because we were getting last in everything. Our goal is to change the culture of Crothersville before we leave.”

Sectionals are this Saturday as the Tigers will compete in the Southwestern (Hanover) race at 10:45 a.m. Coach Layman, Napier, and Crater all were asked about some keys for the team to advance to Regionals.

“We have to get tougher; I thought we ran a little soft today at times,” Layman said. “But overall, the effort was there and that’s what we’ve talked about, which is controlling your attitude and effort at all times. If we can do that, we will be able to do a lot of great things.”

Napier’s response was simple: repeat the performance from Saturday.

“We have to run hard again, that’s really it,” Napier said. “If we can PR as a team, we could win sectionals.”

Crater said the guys must believe in each other.

“We need to believe in each other, believing that the other six guys are working just as hard as you are,” Crater said. “We need to do it for our teammates and the school.”

Southern Athletic Conference Meet — Saturday

Boys’ Team Scores: 1, Crothersville, 34. 2, South Central, 43. 3, Borden, 63. 4, New Washington, 89. 5, Lanesville, 140.

Boys’ Individual Results: 1, Nolan Brown, 16:16.6, (SC). 4, Dirk Crater, 17:49.1, (C). 7, Beau Napier, 17:54.3, (C). 8, Koby Davis, 18:15.7, (C). 9, Kolton Blevins, 18:35.9, (C). 15, Brayden Heath, 19:27.9, (C). 18, Braxton Riley, 19:54.2, (C). 19, Kaleb Moeller, 20:00.7, (C). 25, Joshua Reynolds, 21:15.5, (C). 36, Jude Howard, 24:21.0, (C).