BLOOMFIELD – Coaches and players from last season’s Bloomfield High School football team were formally recognized Monday night with rings commemorating their most recent state championship.
The ring ceremony, which took place at Bloomfield High School, also was an opportunity for team staff members to thank school and district administration, as well as family and boosters for their contributions.
The Bobcats wrapped up their second consecutive Class 4A state title last November, when they outscored St. Pius 58-27 in Albuquerque. Bloomfield head coach Mike Kovacs handed out championship rings to players and coaches during the ceremony, attended by more than 150 people.
“The work these men and women did for this team, this program and for these kids is something none of us can ever forget,” Kovacs said as he addressed the room.
The ceremony also gave the Bloomfield football team a chance to look ahead to the future, in which they will seek a third straight state title. The Bobcats took part in a 7-on-7 challenge last weekend in Kayenta, Arizona and will be back on the practice fields following the Independence Day holiday.
“The target gets bigger every year and we know that, and the pressure is not to let off,” Kovacs said. “And we go through the summer with the same regimen we’ve done every year, we keep grinding and keep focused.”
Kovacs took time during the ceremony to thank fans across San Juan County for their support during the most recent championship run. The Bobcats finished last season with a record of 12-1 and have lost only one game over the past two seasons.
“It shows the team how supportive the community is to have an outcome like this at the last minute, putting all this together,” Kovacs said. “They’re here for the pride, the blue and gold, and that’s what you want.”
For as much as the celebration meant for outgoing players on the Bloomfield High football team, it’s also significant of the challenge that lies ahead for the upcoming season which gets underway Friday, Aug. 21 against Clovis.
“I don’t really feel the pressure,” said incoming senior Markeith Childress. “All I’ve got to do is rely on my team and rely on my family, trust my coaches and get the job done.”