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Young and old, Warren County shows its full support

Fans lined downtown Warren (here on Liberty St.), as well as in Sheffield and other parts of the county on a chilly November Friday to show support for the state finalist Warren Lady Dragons.

Friday morning, a number of people lined Liberty St. in downtown Warren, waiting to cheer on the Warren volleyball team as they made their way through town, departing for Cumberland Valley High School, site of today’s state championship.

Braving the cold and snow, young and old alike, cheering on a team that has captured the hearts of the community.

Just minutes earlier, the Dragons made their way through the halls of the high school, stopping for tours at Warren Area Elementary Center and Beaty, as students lined up to send them off.

Hundreds of kids supporting their fellow students, many of the younger ones looking up in awe at their role models.

And what better role models than this team.

They are great volleyball players.

And, I say this with all sincerity, they are much better people.

A quote by Mia Hamm, mentioned by Emily Daly (Lobdell) in the well-wishes sent by Dragon volleyball alumni recently comes to mind: “Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back … play for her.”

They have certainly done that, while also inspiring the young student-athletes in the community.

And that community of support extends beyond just Warren.

Youngsville Borough police were part of the escort that took them through Warren Friday morning.

And it wasn’t too long into their trip that they had to make another quick detour.

You see, there were a number of young students at Sheffield that wanted to cheer them on as well.

It was enough to make your heart swell.

A number of local businesses got in on the act as well, displaying signs of support.

It brought to mind something else I read, a Tweet from Eric Mineweaser, father of freshman Halee Mineweaser, that read: “West York is not far from Mechanicsburg so it’s pretty much a home game for them … but DO NOT underestimate the crowd @wahsvball will bring! We’re bringing the entire county to Cumberland Valley HS.”

It certainly seemed like that in the semifinals against Knoch at Clarion High School on Tuesday, which was as good of an atmosphere as I have ever been around for a game.

And I don’t say that lightly.

And the number of students I have seen from other county schools show up throughout this run lends more truth to that statement.

The trip to the state finals is considerably longer, but you can bet the gym will be filled with Warren fans.

And those that can’t be there in person will be their in spirit.

Ladies, you have the support of an entire community behind you.

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