PEABODY — The first Peabody High soccer team to win a state title got a championship reception at City Hall yesterday, where Mayor Michael Bonfanti presented each of the girls with a certificate of recognition and then treated them all to lunch.
Also honored were track standouts Catarina Rocha and Nick Christensen.
Athletic prowess is not the only thing that impressed city officials about these kids.
"One of the most important things is the outstanding academic records," high school Principal Ed Sapienza said. "When I looked at the report cards, I saw so many A's. Not only do they do it on the field but also in the classroom."
The Tanner girls won the Division 1 state title in soccer. Some of the accomplishments listed on the soccer certificates include NEC, Division 1 North, Eastern Mass. and state champions with a 22-0-2 record. The Tanners scored 88 goals and allowed only 18.
"It was a heck of a ride," said athletic director Phil Sheridan, who formerly coached track. "I can't tell you how much I enjoyed coming to your games. You did it together as a team, never one-on-one. Peabody High does not run the score up on people.
"Catarina and Nick are also leaders who treat people respectfully," Sheridan said of the two elite Tanner runners also honored yesterday for their championship accomplishments.
All-star defender Cayla Bucci said it was nice to get so much respect around school and in the city.
"I've been playing since I was 6 or 7, and I always dreamed I'd be a state champion someday," Bucci said. "I never thought it would happen, but now my dream has come true."
Superintendent Herb Levine congratulated the athletes and their coaches not only for their sports successes but for their classy behavior.
"You had a great team and a great season, but most important of all was the way you conducted yourselves and represented Peabody," Levine told the group.
"As for the track athletes, I don't know how you do it. My best friend coached cross country for 40 years, so I know it is an amazingly challenging sport. To be able to keep your self-discipline and rise to the level you have is outstanding.
"I am extremely proud of all of you, not only for your accomplishments, but the way you carry yourselves and represent the city."
After the ceremony, the soccer team headed across the street to thank Century Bank for the sign above its front door recognizing the state title. They plan to bring it back to the school.
"I'm so proud of our team," girls soccer coach Dennis Desroches said. "Our focus was togetherness right from the start, and we stayed true to that. We worked together, won together, and there were no egos or personal agendas.
"That made this season so much fun."
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