The Apollo High School boys’ basketball team has won the 3rd Region championship 10 times, and each of those squads will be honored during a “Night of Champions” ceremony Friday night. In addition to a dinner, the former players will be recognized between the girls’ and boys’ games.
The Eagles clinched titles in 1976, 1978, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1997, 2004, 2006, 2012, and 2018.
The current AHS teams will play a 9th District doubleheader against Owensboro Catholic, with the girls tipping off at 5:30 p.m.
A Champions Dinner will be held at 4:30 p.m. in the auxiliary gym, with a short program at 5:30. Speakers will include former coaches, current head coach Ryne Tinsley, Keith Johnson, and Apollo Principal Bob Dych.
Members from the championship teams will then be recognized on center court in the main gym at approximately 6:30 p.m., between the district doubleheader where the AHS girls’ and boys’ teams will face the Owensboro Catholic Aces. Members from the championship teams will have special seating during the games.
According to Tinsley, notable names that will be in attendance are Wayne Chapman (father of Apollo alumnae and Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Famer Rex Chapman), Tony Hopper, Chuck Broughton, and Notre Dame Assistant Athletic Director Hunter Bivin.
“We are excited in bringing our champions back into Apollo High School,” Tinsley said. “Our boys’ basketball program is known to be one of the top programs in Western Kentucky. Having these alumni in our building is instrumental in continuing to restore this proud tradition.”
Dych said the event is a testament to the impact athletics can have in a community.
“We are immensely proud to host the Night of Champions, an event that not only recognizes the remarkable achievements of our basketball teams but also brings our community together in a spirit of celebration and camaraderie,” Dych said. “We are excited to honor the outstanding contributions of the 3rd Region champion basketball teams of Apollo High School.”
