As the last competitions wrapped up for the 2023-2024 school year and coaches collected uniforms, inventoried equipment and held awards ceremonies, the Hawklets compiled an incredibly successful school year, in terms of competitive success thanks to the leadership of the members of the great Class of 2024 and the coaching staffs across all 12 varsity sports.
The fall season got underway and there were high expectations with many returning student-athletes in all four of the sports (cross country, football, soccer, swim & dive). But those might have even been overshadowed.
Cross country narrowly missed a team state championship finishing 2nd and placing 4 all-state runners.
Swim & Dive came up next and went for a 4-peat that came down to the last relay of the day. Nine all-state individuals, one individual state champion, 4 all-state relays including 2 state championship relay teams helped propel the Aquahawks to 280 points and its 14th state championship in program history!
Soccer entered the Final 4 undefeated and nationally ranked and didn’t disappoint bringing home another state champion (3-in-a-row) and the program’s first NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. It placed 7 players on All-State teams, a player of the year, All-American, coach of the year, and finalist for player of the year in its historic season.
Football returned to glory advancing all the way to the semifinals, losing to the eventual state champions in an epic battle that went to OT and many felt were the two best teams in the state. The 11-2 Hawklets placed 5 players on All-State teams, 1 All-American and packed Dasta Memorial Stadium with capacity crowds.
As the leaves fell and Hawklets went inside both sports (Wrestling and Basketball) showed great improvements and future potentials.
In wrestling two Hawklets qualified for the state tournament after several seasons without any qualifiers and showed competitiveness in many of its duals and tournaments.
Basketball played a challenging schedule and earning a 20-8 record, a district championship – first since 2018 and advanced to host Springfield Central in the quarterfinals.
As the ground began to thaw, the 6 spring sports were ready to make their mark.
Golf continued its dominance as a program (and the second winningest sport at Rockhurst) with a third place finish – climbing back from a rough first day. They had one all-state golfer this season.
Volleyball became a MSHSAA sport and after advancing to the “state tournament” last season lost in the district championships this season and a 22-6 record.
Baseball had an uncharacteristic off season with a 10-22 season but the Hawklets on the diamond always gave their best, including sending Coach Jim DeGraw off into retirement as the head coach.
Under new head coach, Rich Sullivan, tennis returned to the final 4 after its first absence in 2023. It celebrated a singles individual title and a third place team finish. Tennis is the program with the most state championships at 18.
Lacrosse also added to its trophy case in a 4-peat of the league title. Undefeated in the state of Missouri and in the league with a 17-2 record and #3 ranking in the Midwest. Led by an all-american and 10 other All-Metro team members, the lacrosse program boasts an impressive 61-7 record these last four seasons.
Track & Field was the last team to compete in the school year and didn’t disappoint with a state meet that saw three different individuals and 1 relay team win state championships leading the team a 4th place state finish, best since 1976 and breaking 7 school records.
Congratulations to all who accepted the challenge and honor to put on the Hawklet uniform to compete, to break records, bring school spirit and to set new standards.
