This past year, there was a trophy being raised or a medal being worn to signify a champion during almost every season in the South Fulton area.

In February, Chad and Chandler Pyke moved Woodward Academy wrestling to the forefront with individual state titles. Chad Pyke became king of the 138-pound division, while setting a Georgia record with his 86th victory of the season, a 12-2 majority decision win over Gilmer's Johnie Flakes.

"I knew I was better than him on my feet but I knew he was just an upper-body wrestler who liked to muscle people over so I got into my positions where he wasn't able to hang with me," Chad Pyke said. "Praise the Lord I did that and came out on top."

In the 126-pound division, Chandler Pyke defeated Heritage Catoosa's Madison Martin 13-2.

About two weeks later, the Arlington Christian girls' basketball team captured their fourth consecutive GISA championship with a 64-55 victory over Westfield in the Class AAA title game.

"It was the best four years," said Kalin Williams, who averaged 18 points a game during her senior season. "Not a lot of people can say they won four straight state titles."

On Jan. 3, the Lady Eagles also notched their 100th consecutive win.

"You know there are a lot of good teams out there but who can say they won 100 straight over three years?" Larisa Bishop said. "This is one of my biggest accomplishments ever."

In May, Woodward athletes were celebrating once again. First, the boys' tennis team became back-to-back Class AAA champions. Then, the boys' soccer team erased two straight years of disappointment in the title game with a 2-0 victory over Gainesville for the championship.

"We know the heartache of losing a final," Woodward boys' coach Matt Holmes said. "This year was almost if it was written for us to win at Gainesville."

Also in May, the Creekside boys' 4-by-100 team earned its second straight set of gold medals with a time of 41.23 seconds.

Then on Nov. 3, the Landmark Christian Lady War Eagles earned the right to be called champions in cross country and volleyball. Kathryn Foreman and Lindy Long led the team to its second consecutive state title.

Abby Johns' ace sealed the 3-1 victory over Walker, and Tiffany Creamer added 26 kills.

"We've been working all year for this," Johns said. "It finally came down to it and we won."