Woodland athletes: Winning on the field and in the classroom

Honor celebrates the team’s ability to balance the demanding schedule of high school football with academic excellence, making the Beavers true champions both on the field and in the classroom

WOODLAND — The Woodland High School Boys Football team has truly defined what it means to be a student-athlete by securing the prestigious Academic State Champion award for Classification 2A. This honor celebrates the team’s ability to balance the demanding schedule of high school football with academic excellence, making the Beavers true champions both on the field and in the classroom.

The award is presented to the high school sports team with the highest collective grade point average (GPA) in their classification across the entire state. The Woodland Beavers’ collective GPA of 3.461, achieved by 24 dedicated student-athletes, set them apart as the state’s best in academic achievement.

The mark of a champion

Woodland Athletics fosters a growth mindset with an emphasis on the two things that athletes can control: Attitude and Effort. The program is all about developing GRIT (Gratitude, Respect, Integrity, Team) in the athletes and giving them the tools they need to be successful long after their playing days are over. Senior offensive lineman and defensive lineman, Isaiah Mattison, who currently carries a 3.981 GPA, said, “As a team, we preach that the ability to play is a privilege. A privilege that is only earned if and when we excel in our education. If we can take care of ourselves in the classroom, the outcome is a strong philosophy that pushes the team to excel on the field.”

The hard work of these young men, who managed rigorous training and game schedules while maintaining exceptional grades, embodies the ideal of the high school athlete. Athletic Director Taylor Adrian sees it as a collaborative effort: “The teachers, the coaches, and the athletes all worked together for this success.” The importance of academics in Woodland athletics is visible on the game rosters, which include honoring those athletes who maintain GPAs of 3.2 and higher.

Head Coach Glen Flanagan also leads this culture of excellence, guiding the team both on the field and in their studies as a teacher at Woodland High School. Coach Flanagan added, “We are proud of all of our students at Woodland High School. This town and this school district believe in developing young people of character who are excellent in everything they do. This was shown in our high achievement, which these young men displayed in the classroom.  This is something to be very proud of as a community, as there is not a single 2A school in the state that performed as well in the classroom as our boys. This is an amazing community to raise families in, as you see the people of this town consistently rally around our schools and our young people.  It truly is a great day to be a Beaver!”

Honored on the grand stage

The team’s achievement was publicly celebrated at the Classification 2A State Football Championship game during halftime on Saturday, December 6 as well as at halftime of the basketball game on Friday, December 5. 

Join district officials in celebrating the Woodland High School Boys Football team, the Beavers, for their remarkable accomplishment. District officials believe they demonstrate that commitment, hard work, and discipline lead to success in every arena.

Information provided by the Woodland School District.