On March 9th, both our girls varsity basketball and speech and debate team took home the title of state champions with the help of sisters Danielle and Natalie Daugherty.
While both the speech and debate team, as well as the girls basketball team, won their state championship collectively as a group, the Daugherty sisters still managed to shine individually.
On March 8th, our Patriots started off Wheeling Park’s journey to success after playing their semi-final game against Huntington and winning their way to the AAAA State Championship at the Charleston Coliseum, ending the game with the final score of 63-56.
Semi-finals kicked off early Friday morning during the same time that Wheeling Park’s speech and debate team commenced their road to 44.
This overlapping timeframe of the two state championships created a packed weekend for the Daugherty family but also an opportunity to amplify support for each other. “Even in the middle of competing and the stress of our championship, I still tried my hardest to send as many uplifting text messages when I had the free time and watch the game between rounds,” said Danielle in regards to her supporting her sister. The Daughtery support system doesn’t end here, Coach Chris Daugherty shares his personal struggles with being both a father and a coach to the Daugherty Sisters.
“It’s tough not being able to watch Dani…it’s different because we’re used to sports where you can go and watch and know exactly what’s happening,” said Coach Doc.
While Coach Doc was unable to see Danielle on Friday and Saturday, he spent his time supporting Natalie as well as the whole basketball team. Practicing was intense for the girls. Their days consisted of conditioning and training, as well as winning 13 out of their 14 games.
“We took a lot of time in preparation…We had practice on the day that we had off and then after our semi-final game. Then we had more and more practices,” said Natalie.
Even though Natalie had little time or opportunity to check in with Danielle and her speech status, she was extremely grateful for all Danielle had said and done.
“She watched all of my games which I am grateful for. We were both sending supportive messages throughout the weekend. Then I found out she won first in humorous interpretation and I was so happy,” said Natalie.
Not only did Danielle place first in humorous interpretation and Natalie earned the Metro News Player of the Game award, but their older sister, Josie, took the final Daugherty Dub. Josie’s Division II basketball team won the MEC Championship.
“It’s nice that not only are we winning together, we’re supporting each other as a family,” said Danielle.
Support can be life’s biggest blessing, and the Daughertys are a prime example.
