How Central Magnet won the DNJ All-Sports Trophy for the second straight year
It was one of the closest races in Daily News Journal All-Sports Trophy competition since the award began in 2014.
But make it two in a row for Central Magnet and three times for the school overall.
"We try to be good in everything we do," Central Magnet principal John Ash said. "We're not only academically and athletically, but robotics, HOSA, DECA, all our competition teams. We've had a very successful year."
Central Magnet (108.5 points) edged Oakland (107.5) by just a point to retain the trophy for at least another year. The same two teams finished first and second last year as well.
Siegel finished third with 86 points, followed by Rockvale (85).
Points are awarded for how well each team finished in its district (or county-wide meet), with bonus points awarded for reaching the state tournament as a team (5), winning a team state championship (10) and any individuals winning a state championship (5). Wrestling teams earned a point for each girl or boy who reached the state, as well as bonus points for reaching state duals as a team.
The Tigers excelled in cross country, basketball and spring sports, racking up numerous points in those categories. They reached state in both girls and boys cross country, finished first in a seven-team district in girls basketball, third in boys basketball and finished first in six-team districts in both baseball and softball.
"We work hard...that's what Central does," said Central Magnet cross country and track and field athlete Ty Brown.
The CMS tennis teams came up big (with the girls finishing first and boys second), as well both soccer teams (boys finishing first and girls second in eight-team districts). The Lady Tiger soccer team reached the Class AA state championship game.
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"The team was very close...we were all like family," said Central Magnet soccer player Claudia Mitchell. "It helped us develop as a team. I think all of us work hard in the classroom and on the field."
Both Oakland and Central Magnet scored 25 bonus points, with the Patriots garnering 15 for winning the state football title, five for reaching the state in cross country and five for having a individual wrestling state champ in Mila Risner. Oakland kept it a tight race, thanks to success of its football program and an area-best 13 points from its wrestling program.
The Tigers earned the 10 points for both cross country teams advancing to state, five points for the girls golf team reaching state, five points for their volleyball team reaching state and five points for their girls soccer team reaching state.
"Our kids have a great work ethic," Ash said. "They put everything they've got into everything they do. Our motto is 'Always my best' and I take a lot of pride in our kids always giving their best."
DNJ 2023 All-Sports Trophy
Central Magnet 108.5, Oakland 107.5, Siegel 86, Rockvale 85, Blackman 80, Stewarts Creek 76, Eagleville 68, Smyrna 61, MTCS 60, Riverdale 60, Providence Christian 54, Cannon County 35, La Vergne 30.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Central Magnet wins Daily News Journal All-Sports Trophy for 2023
