Fatima cross country and track coach Marc Bridges on Thursday was honored for his successful career as he has led the Comets to 21 top-four finishes in the former, including 11 state championships since 2011.

“The dedication and commitment Coach Bridges has provided to this program is extraordinary,” said Superintendent Chuck Woody at halftime of the game against Owensville. “What sets him apart is his ability to relate and work with the kids. Coach Bridges is just a great person. The relationships he builds with all kids, not just his athletes but students in his classrooms, remain long after they graduate.”

A large group of former athletes turned out to help honor Bridges, a clear indication of the impact he’s had on their lives. “His impact spills over to the adults here as well,” said Woody.

This year’s boys’ cross country team was honored for its third straight state title and fourth overall after winning five regular-season meets and the district meet.

Fatima finished with 98 points at the state championships, led by seniors Lucas Laux, Dawson Woehr, Jake Boyce, and Dean Hagenhoff, juniors Thomas Libbert and Gavin Satterfield, and freshman Cody Berhorst. Other team members were juniors Scott Sankey and Collin Bridges, and freshmen Easton Haslag, Tyler Kloeppel, Cody Kampeter, Ty Herzing, and Issac Gentges.

Bridges was presented with a trophy recognizing the 11 titles won by the Comets. Fatima has put 10 consecutive state banners on the wall, including nine under Bridges’ leadership.

The Lady Comets, meanwhile, holds a state record for seven consecutive state championships, all under Coach Bridges, who is second in the state with the second-most combined state titles. In 2016, all seven members of the team earned All-State honors, and overall, Fatima has produced 19 All-State athletes.