Elyria Catholic girls basketball heads to Columbus for state Final Four

ELYRIA — With the strains of their school’s alma mater ringing in their ears, Elyria Catholic’s girls basketball players left Wednesday afternoon for Columbus and the Division III Final Four.

The Panthers (24-2) were sent off enthusiastically by other students, faculty, family, friends and the Panthers pep band after a rally in the Coliseum. They left in a bus pulling a trailer to accommodate a small mountain of luggage and other belongings.

Principal Amy Butler conducted the program and recounted notable performances this school year by teams and athletes in other sports. Coach Eric Rothgery spoke to the crowd after players and coaches were introduced by student body president Ryne St. Marie.

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As the ceremony ended, students and others gathered at the east end of the basketball court and sang the alma mater.

At 3 p.m. Friday, the Panthers will take on top-ranked, undefeated Oak Hill (24-0) in a state semifinal in Value City Arena on the Ohio State campus. Oak Hill is making its third Final Four appearance in seven years. No previous EC girls basketball team has ever advanced as far.

The Panthers will practice today at Harvest Prep, a private Christian school in nearby Canal Winchester, which is partly in Franklin County and partly in Fairfield County. The team will also practice Friday morning.
The school has been alive with excitement all week.

“This is one of the best mornings I’ve ever come to work,” Butler said by phone Monday. The Panthers advanced to the state semifinals after winning their first regional championship Saturday in Cuyahoga Falls.

“The mood is so positive,” she said. “We’re trying to keep a lid on it, there’s been so much excitement.”

Development coordinator Michelle Wisnor said she believes the Panthers’ success will benefit the school’s fundraising initiative.

“It does make a difference,” she said. “There’s no doubt that when things are good, donations tend to increase. People have pride and want to contribute to a successful program.”