1999 Poland Football State Champs

On December 3, 1999, the Poland Seminary High School Football team accomplished their pre-season goal by defeating Columbus Bishop Waterson 20-13, winning the State championship and becoming the first football team in Ohio high school history to finish the season with an unbeaten record of 15-0. Head coach Paul Hulea had delivered his mantra: “Believe it. Do it.” to the team before leading them out on the field. The belief, to become State Champions, was established during a summer goal setting session by defensive coordinator, Mark Covelli. That belief was tested in each of their final three postseason games as the team headed to the locker room trailing their opponents. The team’s resolve was unwavering, leaning on their dominant defense (6.87 opponent PPG) and their explosive offense (31.4 PPG) to storm back and claim victory in all three contests. Nine players from this history making squad have since been selected to the PSHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

25 seniors, 11 juniors, 23 sophmores, six coaches, parents, cheerleaders, marching band, flag line, fans, Metro Athletic Conference Champions, Division III State Champions. 15 wins. 0 losses. Believed it. Did it.