GRC athletics has had a lot of great things happening recently, and have some fantastic opportunities ahead. Let’s recap what’s been going on and what still is to come around the Cardinal athletic program.  

Volleyball begins region Tuesday

The volleyball team has won the district championship and will play Augusta Oct. 25 in the first round of the region tournament. They beat the Indians from Montgomery County for the third straight time this season to secure the district title. A win over Augusta in the first round would set up a huge semifinals match up against the winner of Scott High-Harrison County, the top two teams in the region. This is the first time since 2018 the Cardinals Volleyball team has been to the region tournament. This is the best the volleyball program has been in a very long time and they have their opportunity for a championship run this week. 

Football beats Oldham County to advance to 6-3

The Cardinal football team got back on track Friday night with a blowout win over Oldham County. The Cardinals put up 42 points in the first half, and only allowed 7 points the whole game, winning 48-7. This Friday will be the final home game for the Cardinals before they play Tates Creek Nov. 4 on the road in the first round of the playoffs. It’ll be Senior Night when 2-7 Conner High School comes to town. A win would improve Coach Chirico’s team to 7-3, and generate lots of momentum heading into postseason play. 

Cross County boys advance to state 

The cross country teams competed in KHSAA Region 6 competition over the weekend. The boys came in fourth, which was good enough to get them into the state meet this coming weekend. Then they also had 7 different runners individually qualify — Liam Parido (17th), Lennon Smith (18th), Ben Wilson (21), Hayden Cecil (28th), Hunter Rogers (38th), Aiden Larken (50th), and Charlie Castle (51st). The state meet will be held Friday at the Bourbon County Cross Country Course. These seven individuals have the opportunity to compete against the best in the state and place well at the biggest tournament of the year. 

Basketball season officially begins  

The basketball season officially began Oct. 15 for Coach Josh Cook and his defending state champion Cardinals, and Coach Robbie Graham’s GRC Hoops. Practices were allowed to start in the Bluegrass which meant it was time for the Cards to begin their seasons. The opening regular season game for WinCity will start a month from Saturday when Bryan Station rolls into Cardinal Arena. The GRC Hoops team will take the floor on the 28th of November when Rowan County comes to town. Cook and his Cards will have a massive target on their back this year as the state champs, but it’s nothing his players can’t handle. With Jerone Morton, Trent Edwards, and Sam Parrish back, the repeat run is in the sights. The Hoops team will also have the chance to make another deep run in the post season, with the Byars sisters, Trinity Gay, and Kennedy Stamper returning.

The athletic program is very busy at George Rogers Clark and is having a lot of success. The success can continue through the week with the potential of many big wins. Go Cards!