Lee County Trojans receive championship rings

It was a big night for Lee County Trojans as they were reminded how hard work pays off.

A huge celebration wrapped up Monday evening in Lee County as the high school football players received their first-ever state championship rings.

During the school day, staff and students got into the spirit by sporting their red and black school colors. In her 30 years of working in Lee County School system, LCHS Cheer Director Donna Jones said her cheerleaders and the football players were eager to see the rings. Everyone who's been a part of the football program, coaching staff, cheerleaders and football players received rings and pendants during the award banquet. With receiving their state championship rings, it was a night they will never forget. Coaches shared memories to the dozens of families in the packed audience.

Coach Dean Fabrizio said without the community support the team wouldn't have made it here.

"It's your success as much as it is ours," said Fabrizio.

For senior Otis Reese, having the community there to witness it all made it a little sweeter.

"We play for our community because we know they support us," said Reese.

A community pep rally was held prior to the presentation of the rings. The community was just as excited as the players.

"We've been looking for this win for a long time and every year our team gradually gets better and we are just so proud of them," said Cindy Wiggins, a community member.

The community felt this was a win for not only the football team but for the whole county.

Leesburg's mayor Jim Quinn even made a special proclamation.

"The City of Leesburg recognizes this accomplishment and designates February 26, 2018, as Trojan Nation day," announced Quinn.

One thing is for sure the players felt the love in Lee community not only tonight but all season.

"It's all God's plan. Everybody worked hard to get here and I'm just happy for my teammates and happy for the community. It had never been done and I'm just grateful," said Reese.

It was definitely an exciting night for all. The mayor and the head coach also announced that when you come into lee county there will be a billboard stating the Trojans are the state high school football champions.