Greenbrier has 12-year history of accolades

As I write this story Thursday, 99 percent of the kids walking the halls are thrilled to death, because it's the final day of school.

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However, there is a group that is probably hurting a bit. That is the group of young men on the Woflpack baseball team.

Their bid for a third straight AAAA state title came to an end Wednesday night at the hands of a very good Loganville team in the state quarterfinals.

I know how these kids feel. I am sure there were plenty of tears, and nothing I write will make them feel any better.

This group of young men and the Greenbrier High School coaching staff should hold their heads high and be proud of what they accomplished.

They shouldn't read the junk posted on the message boards. Any moron with a computer can log on and anonymously bash these young people, and many do.

These guys should ignore all the negative comments because they have been a part of something truly special. The seniors were a part of a three-year run that produced a record of 91-13 with a pair of state titles.

They also played a role in one of the most impressive pitching careers in state history, as Nolan Belcher posted 47 wins and just two losses. Also, they are now part of a an incredible baseball legacy that few teams can come close to, and most coaches and fans cannot fathom.

In 12 years, Greenbrier has accomplished things that most schools will not achieve in 200 years. Below is a look at the amazing 12-year history of Wolfpack baseball.

1997: 31-5, state champions

1998 : 25-4, state champions

1999: 29-5-1, state champions

2000: 24-4, second round of state playoffs

2001: 23-15, state final four

2002: 26-8, state final four

2003: 24-8, state quarterfinals

2004: 28-5, state final four

2005 : 16-7, lost in region playoffs

2006: 35-1, state champions

2007: 31-4, state champions

2008: 25-8, state quarterfinals

All of this adds up to:

- 317 wins and 74 losses in 12 seasons

- 10 region titles

- Eight final four appearances

- State quarterfinals or better 10 of 12 seasons

- Five state championships

No one knows what the future holds for Greenbrier's baseball program, but what the school has accomplished in its first 12 years is something all Greenbrier students, parents, faculty, fans, coaches and players should be extremely proud of.

So as the sting of the loss to Loganville wears off, the entire Greenbrier family should be able to smile and hold those heads high, because few schools will ever put together a run that comes close to the 'Pack's 12-year mark.