River View’s 2006 and 2007 state title teams reunite
Athletes, coaches and even the water boy and girl from River View High School’s 2006 and 2007 Division II Girls State Championship teams gathered for a reunion Jan. 6 at the school. Josie Sellers | Beacon
WARSAW – Memories and laughs about a special time in River View’s basketball history were shared by those who made back to back state titles happen.
River View High School’s 2006 and 2007 Division II Girls State Championship teams were honored Friday evening, Jan. 6 at the boys’ game against Dover. Prior to being introduced those who played on the teams and their coaches reunited in the school’s library to enjoy a light meal and reminisce.
“It’s really good to see everyone,” said Caroline Daugherty, who was the head coach of both teams. “This brings back a lot of good memories.”
Ashley Owen Conidi, Brittany Bailey, Kristin Daugherty Ronai, and Sami Dickerson Chrisman recreated the pose from their senior basketball season picture during a reunion organized for River View High School’s 2006 and 2007 Division II Girls State Championship teams. Josie Sellers | Beacon
River View’s athletic department organized the reunion to honor the 10th and 11th anniversary of the school’s state titles and school administrators said just about everyone was able to make it to the event.
“It’s great to see everybody and talk about a wonderful time in our lives,” said Emily Lindsey, who was on the 2006 team.
Sami Dickerson Chrisman, who was on both teams, said it was great to be back and was glad she was able to bring her two children to the reunion.
“Basketball is big for us and we definitely want to get them into sports,” she said.
Chrisman felt the team was so successful because of their togetherness.
“I think we were more like a family,” she said. “We also had the same coaches since we were little. We learned our roles and how to be successful in them. It was just a good group of people.”
In addition to her family, Chrisman also brought along her mom Donna Wright to the event.
“They were amazing to watch,” Wright said. “My favorite memory is when they were in the regional finals and played St. Francis DeSales. There were three players with relatives at Ohio State and Sami played her best game ever. All of these girls at a very young age refused to quit and always gave 110 percent. They expected to win and wanted to win all the time. They also played together so long that they knew where each other were. You can’t teach that.”
Ashley Owen Conidi, who was on both the ’06 and ’07 team, agreed with Wright.
“We played a lot together so there was an unspoken component to our game,” Conidi said. “We were successful because we worked hard and we knew each other.”
Whitney Williams, who was on the ’06 team, said the reunion was the first time she’d been back at the high school in a long time.
“Driving up here made me think about all the practices, games and the state championship,” she said. “It’s been nice to talk to everyone and relive those times. We were just like a family. It wasn’t just about basketball either. We confided in each other and trust each other on and off the court. We also were happy for who ever happened to be the leading scorer in a game and just wanted to do whatever needed done to win.”
Before everyone headed out to be honored on the court, Athletic Director Rod Lindsey and Principal Charles Rinkes presented them with a program from the game that had their team pictures in it and a lifetime pass to River View athletic events.
“It’s the least we can do for all the memories you created for us,” Lindsey said.
The athletes, coaches and former water boy and girl also took turns sharing memories.
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 and 11 years,” Daugherty said. “When I think back to those times and how hard I was on you guys I have to apologize. You were all so hard working and dedicated. You guys mean so much to me and are like family to us.”
She, however, actually did get to share the state title years with several family members. Her husband Bill was an assistant coach, her daughters Kristin and Kari played on both teams and her younger children Kyle and Andi were the water boy and girl.
Kristin Daugherty Ronai joked about how diligent Andi was compared to their brother.
“Your water was always right there,” Ronai said.
Kari Daugherty Pickens wrapped up the time of reminiscing by thanking the coaches who helped lead them to those titles.
“As players you don’t realize all the time coaches put in scouting, watching films and not being able to sleep at night,” she said. “Thank you all for putting in so much time for us.”
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