It’s sometimes difficult to find positives amid turmoil but even in 2020, there were several bright spots in sports throughout Daviess County.
From state championships to national championships, major tournament debuts and historic seasons, these are the top sports moments of 2020.
Apollo’s Macey Brown wins KHSAA Girls’ State Golf Tournament
Apollo’s Macey Brown came through in the clutch to bring a KHSAA Girls’ State Golf Tournament title to Apollo High School. Brown carded a 71-74 then beat Madison Central’s Elizabeth Eberle in a one-hole playoff.
Red Devils finish runner-up in KHSAA Class 5A Football State Championship
The Owensboro Red Devils had a historic season but finished runner-up in the KHSAA Class 5A State Football Championship at they fell to Bowling Green 17-7 at Kroger Field. Owensboro coach Jay Fallin and junior quarterback Gavin Wimsatt were named the KFCA Class 5A Coach of the Year and Player of the Year as OHS finished 12-1.
Daviess County bowling finishes runner-up at state tournament
The Daviess County Panthers went into the KHSAA Boys’ Bowling State Championship last season and despite finishing runner-up to Ballard, DC delivered a successful season with another run in the state tournament. The Panthers have made it to at least the quarterfinals the last three seasons.
Daviess County dance team wins NDA National Championship
The Daviess County dance team has made a habit of winning national championships after it won first place in the small division of the Game Day category in the National Dance Alliance competition in Florida. DC also won “Best in Game Day,” which is awarded to the team with the highest overall score of all size divisions. They beat 68 other teams to capture the overall title.
Former Owensboro Catholic Ace John Augenstein plays in Masters, US Open
It was a big year for former Owensboro Catholic standout John Augenstein as he played in his first major (U.S. Open) and made his first Masters appearance this year. He finished T55th at Augusta after carding a 69-72-75-65 (291). Augenstein also turned pro after a successful career at Vanderbilt where he earned All-American honors.
Daviess County Panthers soccer earns 500th win, trip to state quarterfinals
The Daviess County Panthers had another solid season as it came with many accolades for the boys’ soccer program. DC hit 800 games and 500 wins as a team while also making it to another KHSAA State Soccer Tournament quarterfinal. Panther coach Doug Sandifer also hit 400 wins as head coach of the Panthers.
Owensboro Catholic Aces upset Red Devils in 3rd Region Tournament final
For just the second time in program history, the Owensboro Catholic Aces were headed to the KHSAA Sweet Sixteen after they took down Owensboro 56-45 in the 3rd Region Tournament final but Covid-19 canceled the tournament before it even had a chance to begin. The Aces got their revenge on the Red Devils after falling to OHS three times last season, including a 66-50 in the 9th District Championship.
Daviess County volleyball wins first 3rd Region Title in program history
Behind strong senior leadership, the Daviess County volleyball team cruised through the 3rd Region Tournament, sweeping all three of its opponents to win their first region crown in program history. The Lady Panthers had two winnings streaks of at least six games this season and finished eight sweeps on the year.
Apollo’s Araceli Pascual becomes first girls wrestler in the area
Apollo sophomore Araceli Pascual finished off her first year as a wrestler on a high note as she earned fourth place in her division in the girls’ state tournament at Tates Creek High School in Lexington. Competing in the 120-pound class, Pascual went 3-2 on the day in the state tournament, which is put on by the Kentucky Wrestling Coaches Association.
Owensboro Catholic Lady Aces soccer advances to quarterfinals
The Owensboro Catholic girls’ soccer program advance to the KHSAA State Tournament quarterfinals this season for the first time since 2016 as they took down Daviess County en route to the 9th District and 3rd Region Tournament titles before beating Marshall County 1-0 in the semi-state game.
