Celebrating Cape Region's athletic achievements 

This past week has been a testament to the hard work, dedication and talent of Cape Henlopen High School athletes, as the field hockey team and cross country standout Jason Baker each secured DIAA state championships. 

The field hockey team, with its unwavering determination and team spirit, triumphed in a 2-1 nailbiter over Smyrna Nov. 9, capturing the school’s 14th field hockey state title – seventh in the last eight years – following a season that exceeded all expectations. The Vikings’ championship is a proud moment for the entire Cape community, and it’s a reminder of how much can be accomplished when athletes and coaches come together with a shared vision of success, no matter if the team is filled with seniors like the 2023 team or dominated by underclassmen like this year's team. 

Similarly, Jason Baker’s individual win Nov. 9 at the DIAA Cross Country Championships at Killens Pond State Park in Felton is one that will be remembered for years to come. His dedication to the sport, mental toughness and relentless training culminated in a well-deserved state championship. Baker's victory adds another page to the rich legacy of Cape's track and cross country programs that goes back 50 years. 

But the celebrations don’t stop there. As the fall sports season heads into its final stages, we wish the players of the Cape football team the best of luck as they face No. 1 Salesianum Friday, Nov. 15 at Abessinio Stadium in Wilmington in the first round of the DIAA 3A football tournament. If we learned anything from last season, when the Vikings upset teams all the way to the state championship game, Cape’s football players and coaches have as good a chance as anyone at making a deep run.

But wait, there's more. Sussex Academy boys' soccer team will look to win its second consecutive DIAA Division II state championship Saturday, Nov. 16, against St. Andrew’s. Back-to-back titles would be a remarkable achievement for the program. The Seahawks have proven throughout the season that they’re among the state’s top teams. We look forward to seeing if they can complete the mission.