Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – The Del Norte Warriors were one of two H-DNL baseball teams recognized for their achievements in the classroom this spring.

By Ray Hamill — Five H-DNL teams have received an NCS Scholastic Championship Team Award for the spring, including three from the one school.

The awards are handed out to the teams with the top three team GPAs in their division in their sport.

Topping the list is the South Fork girls track and field team.

The Cubs may have been small in numbers with just three student-athletes, but they excelled in the classroom.

The South Fork trio of Chase McFarland, Angelica Weston and Jedaiah Marshall each had a GPA of 4.0 this spring.

Next best was the St. Bernard’s boys tennis team, one of three Crusaders programs to be recognized.

The SB boys had a 3.93 team GPA.

Both the St. Bernard’s baseball and softball teams also were recognized for their work in the classroom.

The school’s softball team had a GPA of 3.52, while the baseball team achieved a team GPA of 3.36.

And that’s something the Crusaders naturally take pride in.

“Success in the classroom and success in sports should be connected. We can’t sacrifice one for the other,” SB principal Paul Shanahan said. “Our teachers are willing to meet with students before school, at lunch, and after school to make sure they stay on track academically during the season. 

“Missing classes for sports travel is a regular part of life in the H-DNL. Our coaches and athletes know that isn’t an excuse to fall behind.

“I’m proud of our team of coaches, teachers, and athletes for working together.”

The St. Bernard’s softball team

The St. Bernard’s baseball team

Rounding out the impressive list of H-DNL teams to be recognized this spring is the Del Norte baseball team.

The Warriors won two playoff games in the same postseason for the first time ever and made it all the way to the NCS semifinals.

But that’s not the only thing they are proud of.

“The guys are jazzed about it,” head coach Brandon Coborn said of the award. “It’s a testament to the student-athletes we have on the team, and it’s a big deal to our program. We tell our guys every day grades are important.”