GREEN COVE SPRINGS – During halftime of the Clay-Fleming Island high football games, Clay’s athletic teams were awarded the Clay County Ascension St. Vincent's Cup.

Ascension St. Vincent’s is a proud partner of Clay County District Schools and is dedicated to assisting the school district to provide the safest student-athlete experience for the student-athletes and the Clay County community. Due to this commitment, each year, Ascension St. Vincent's provides the funding for every high school and junior high in Clay County to have a dedicated athletic trainer. In partnership with Preferred Physical Therapy, the student-athletes and community in Clay County are in good hands.

When asked about the partnership, lead hospital administrator Kevin Rinks said, "We are honored to have the opportunity to further our mission here in Clay County by impacting positively approximately 5,800 Clay County student-athletes through the Ascension St Vincent’s partnership with the Clay County School System, Southeast Orthopedics, and Preferred PT. Congratulations again to the 2022 winners and here's to an exciting 2023 season for all of our athletes."

The criteria for winning the cup is a point system that was developed by the school district's 14 athletic directors that stem from a team’s success starting with district play, all the way through FHSAA state championships.

"We are extremely grateful for the relentless support of Ascension St. Vincent's. Due to their contributions, we can provide our student-athletes and community with the safest possible environment said county coordination of district athletics John Sgromolo. “Data shows that athletic trainers are essential to first aid response times and help students get back to competition safely and further protect students against future injuries."

During the 2021-2022 season, the Blue Devils had a year of tremendous athletic success. The Blue Devils won the Ascension St. Vincent's Cup with 32 total points. The teams that were instrumental in the victory were:

• Girls softball- Final four appearance

• Wrestling- State Runner Up- Team Duals

• Boys golf- District Champions

• Boys soccer- Regional appearance

• Flag football- Regional appearance

• Baseball- Regional appearance

• Competitive cheerleading- State Runner Up and 3rd at Nationals

• Girls weightlifting- Team State Champions! (The first girls' weightlifting team in Clay County History to win a team state title)

"As a former football and softball coach in Clay County District Schools, I can attest to the value that athletics plays in a student's educational experience. I am grateful for our partnership with Ascension St. Vincent's to ensure our student-athletes are safe on the field and sidelines so they can compete both inside and outside of the classroom," Superintendent David Broskie said.

Be sure to follow along throughout the school year on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @OneClaySports.