By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Music, pom poms and huge smiles covered the Southside School gymnasium as staff and students celebrated the school's two state championships with a pep rally Tuesday afternoon.
The Southside Cobras and Vipers basketball teams both traveled to the Special Olympics Michigan State Tournament last weekend in Grand Rapids and brought home the title trophies.
This was the second state title for the Cobras, while the Vipers picked up their first.
"This was a great year for us. The kids worked very hard during the regular season and this was the payoff they received," coach Pete Johnson said.
During the pep rally, Johnson was honored with a basketball signed by all of his players.
"This is great. Thank you all so much," Johnson said to his players, who sported their state medals around their necks.
The Vipers won both of their games in Division 2, winning the first 51-4 and the final game 44-23. The Vipers posted a 3-4 record during the regular season.
The Cobras took 41-14 and 53-28 wins in Division 9, which is something coach Johnson is very proud of. "The Cobras didn't win one regular season game, but came out and won two huge games at state. We're very proud of them."
New to the basketball program this year is the David Tebo MVP Award, which honors an athlete who shows hard work and dedication both on the floor and in the classroom. The first two recipients of the award were Nick Patton and Dan Miller.
"I can't say enough about these kids. They came out and gave 110 percent all year. They got what they deserved and played like they were champions every game," Johnson said.