STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS6 – Football (most recent 1965)5 – Baseball (1987)1 – Boys’ golf (1951),1 – Duals wrestling (1990)1 – Boys’ basketball (1943)1 – Girls’ softball (1985)Most recent individual state champions1992 – Kevin Johnson (wrestling, 130 pounds); 1991 – K. Johnson (125), Ricky Johnson (130); 1990 – K. Johnson (119); 1989 – R. Johnson (125); 1987 – Kim Shelton (girls’ track, 300 low hurdles)
It has been a long time since Central High School drew statewide attention to its athletic program.
Since the former football power moved from Dodds Avenue to Harrison in 1970, the Purple Pounders have two state baseball championships (1985, 1987), a girls’ state softball crown (1985) and a state duals wrestling championship (1990).
This year’s wrestling team is 26-2 and poised to give the school its first state title in 21 years.
“I don’t think we have accomplished anything until we get it done,” said Central coach Steve Price, who was a sophomore on that 1990 team.