There were plenty of big moments in 2025.

2025 was a great year for sports in Eagle Country. 

We are taking a trip down memory lane by taking a look at some of the brightest moments this past calendar year. 

The stories below are not ranked in any particular order. 

Lawrenceburg Girls Soccer Receive State Championship Rings

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Lawrenceburg High School's girls soccer team won the IHSAA Class 2A State Championship in 2024 but had to wait until 2025 to receive their state championship rings. 

The Lady Tigers received their rings in February during a ceremony at a Tigers' boys varsity basketball game. 

Lawrenceburg earned the rings defeating Mishawaka Marian in penalty kicks by a score of 4-1. It was Lawrenceburg's first ever soccer state championship win. 

Milan's Roell Makes History as Indiana's First 120 Lbs. State Champion

(Milan, Ind.) - Milan High School junior Kayla Roell became the first high school girls wrestler to win an IHSAA Girls Wrestling State Championship in the 120-pound weight class. 

Roell defeated fellow junior Aaliyah McLean (McCutcheon) in the state championship match in January. 

Roell, the 4th ranked wrestler in her weight class, defeated the #7, #3, and #5 ranked wrestlers to win the state championship. She won her opening contest by fall (1:10) defeating Violeta Gomez-Hilero of Jennings County. Roell then defeated #7 Amelia Mitchell of Munster in the second round, winning by fall (2:39). In the semifinals, Roell defeated #3 Zoe Pugh by fall (2:31).

She finished the season with a record of 36-1. 

It was a great showing overall for southeastern Indiana as East Central senior Leighna Prater placed third at 145 pounds. Switzerland County junior Klaire Redwine also competed at state but unfortunately lost in the first round. 

Batesville's South, East Central's Pies Finish HS Career's at State Finals

Indiana Girls Golf All-State Team featuring Ava South and Rowan Pies. Photo provided.

(Carmel, Ind.) - Six golfers from southeastern Indiana competed at the IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals. 

The two-day event was held at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. 

Batesville finished 9th out of 18 teams with a +116. For comparison, state champion Zionsville shot +31 for the tournament. 

The Lady Bulldogs were led by senior Ava South, who tied for 12th overall. South carded a 74 in round one and an 80 in round two, shooting 10-over par for the tournament. South earned the 2025 IHSAA Girls Golf Mental Attitude Award recipient. She also received the 2025 Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association Miss Golf Award, which goes to the top senior in the state. 

East Central's Rowan Pies joined South on the All-State Team. She finished tied for 20th at the state finals. The Trojans' star had a tough first day, shooting 12-over par, but bounced back on day two with one of the best rounds of the day at even par. 

Batesville senior Zoey Ahern tied for 64th (+31), freshman Stella Maple tied for 71st (+36), junior Alexis Gallagher tied for 77th (+39), and junior Grace Saner tied for 105th (+66). 

Rising Sun Cheer Wins First State Championship in School History

(Rising Sun, Ind.) - Rising Sun competed at the HCCA Spirit State Championship in November. 

The Shiners came home state champions, winning the 1A State Cheer Championship.

This was the first time Rising Sun had competed at this particular state level competition. They did not have any deductions and executed a great routine in winning their first state championship in school history. 

Team members are: Kenlee Ryan, Tifani Courter, Lizzy Mear, Macey Halloran, Teagan Lewis, Maddy Phillippe, Bri Sams, J'lynn Rodriguez, Preslie Werner, Seniors Lexi Morris, Charlotte Ohl, Megan Daugherty, Avery Davies, Reese Merica.   

Rising Sun is coached by Heather Cook, Skylar Durham, and Ryleigh McAlister. 

Cole Henry Becomes South Ripley's All-Time Leading Scorer

(Versailles, Ind.) - It took 43 years for someone to break Steve Allen's all-time scoring record at South Ripley High School. Cody Samples was the one to do it in 2021, but he didn't get to hold the title for all that long. 

In January, senior Cole Henry passed Cody Samples (1,429) on South Ripley's all-time scoring list. 

Henry entered that particular weekend needing 27 points to break the school scoring record. He put up 23 at Connersville and scored 14 points in a win over Lawrenceburg to become South Ripley's all-time scoring leader. 

Henry finished his high school career with 1,586 points. He is currently a member of the IU East basketball team. 

Cam Craig Breaks Switzerland County's All-Time Scoring Record

Cam Craig. Photo by Justis White, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Vevay, Ind.) - Cam Craig stands alone as the most prolific scorer in Switzerland County High School boys basketball history. 

In January, Craig passed Brad Burk as Switzerland County's all-time leading scorer with a three-point basket against Rising Sun. 

Burk had previously held the record since 1982 when he finished his high school career with 1,456 points. 

Craig, a freshman at Mount St. Joseph University, finished his high school career with 1,667 points.

Rand Ballart Becomes SD Football's All-Time Winningest Coach

Rand Ballart. Photo by SD Athletics.

(Aurora, Ind.) - The South Dearborn Knights kicked off their 2025 season with a win over Jennings County.  

The 27-6 victory was the 47th career victory for head coach Rand Ballart, making him the winningest coach in South Dearborn High School football history. 

Ballart passed Jim Wheat, who led the Knights to 46 wins between 1990 and 1999. 

South Dearborn's defense was dominate against Jennings County, allowing only 63 total yards and forcing two turnovers and a safety. 

Ballart enters the 2026 season with 51 wins. 

Emma Parsons Breaks Switzerland County Career Goals Record

Emma Parsons. Photo via Maxpreps.

(Vevay, Ind.) - Switzerland County's girls soccer team defeated Carroll County 10-1 in late September. 

Senior Emma Parsons led the way with four goals and two assists. Her four goals gave her 102 for her career, breaking the Switzerland County career record previously held by Halle Archer (99 goals). 

Parsons ended her high school career with 108 goals and 47 assists. 

Former EC Star Named College All-American

Eli Aston. Photo by Mount St. Joseph Athletics.

CINCINNATI - After another incredible season, Eli Aston has earned multiple postseason awards. 

The Mount St. Joseph University sophomore was named an AFCA First Team All-American. He was also named All-HCAC First Team, and Second Team All-Region by D3football.com. 

Aston led the HCAC in all receiving categories. His 21 touchdowns were a new school record, and second nationally. He was third in the nation in receiving yards with 1,309 and 15th with 75 receptions. 

Through two seasons, Aston has totaled 142 receptions, 2,667 yards, and 35 touchdowns.  

Milan Football Wins First Regional Title Since 1996

Photo by Milan Community Schools.

(Milan, Ind.) - The Milan Indians came one win away from playing for a state championship this fall. 

At the Regional, the Indians defeated #4 Providence by a score of 22-7, eliminating the defending Class A State Champs from the state tournament. It was Milan's first regional title since 1996. 

Senior quarterback Wyatt Marsh led the way, rushing for 125 yards and two scores. Freshman running back Beckett Langferman added 79 yards on the ground and a touchdown. 

Milan's defense was terrific, causing three turnovers. Senior defensive back Micah Norman had two interceptions, while junior linebacker Grant Langferman had one. 

Milan would ultimately fall in the semi-state game to eventual state champion South Putnam. 

Josh Ringer Scores First Collegiate Touchdown

Josh Ringer during his senior season at East Central. 

(Oxford, Oh.) - Josh Ringer is no stranger to scoring touchdowns. 

He scored 118 of them at East Central High School, making him the Trojans' all-time leader. 

On Saturday, October 18, Ringer scored his first collegiate touchdown for the Miami RedHawks. He caught a three-yard TD in a 44-30 win over Eastern Michigan.