The Gordon Lee High School wrestling team received its state duals championship trophy in a ceremony at the school Wednesday.
GHSA executive director Dr. Ralph Swearngin presented coach Brent Raby, Chickamauga City Schools superintendant Melody Day and Gordon Lee principal Clay Crowder with the belated trophy as team members and the student body cheered.
The Trojans, who also received championship rings, were named co-champions in Class A following a protracted appeals process with the GHSA. An incorrect scoring ruling was overturned for the next-to-last individual bout against Holy Innocents' in the dual finals in January.
Three appeals were made before the GHSA executive committee ruled in Gordon Lee's favor a month ago.
The mother of Jordan Queen, a senior wrestler who died in an automobile accident just before the season, was presented a championship ring, and members of the state Senate and House of Representatives were in attendance.
"Dr. Swearngin was very sincere when he presented the trophy, and the team and student body were very excited about the event," Raby said. "It was nice that he got to see what the school and community are all about. It's been a tough process, but we hope it's proof that any time you feel you've been wronged, you can do something about it.
"I'm just glad we get this day to celebrate. All the credit goes to the boys -- they made it happen."
One of those wrestlers, junior two-time state tournament medalist Shane Farmer, summed up the team's feeling.
"The whole thing was kind of up and down for us [emotionally], but today means so much to us ... and the rings are nicer than any others I've ever seen."