The 2021-22 school year was definitely a good time to be an Eagle or a War Eagle.

Chapin and Gray Collegiate high schools combined for four state titles and two state runner-ups. The efforts of their student-athletes helped both schools finish high in the Carlisle Cup standings. 

Chapin placed second behind Wando in Class 5A, while Gray Collegiate was third in Class 2A behind Phillip Simmons and Christ Church in the annual rankings which use a point system to determine the top athletic programs in each classification.

This was Chapin’s second year in Class 5A, where it earned a state title in competitive cheer, state runner-ups in boys soccer and boys and girls golf and Lower State runner-up in girls’ soccer. The Eagles were one of three Chronicle Country teams to finish in the Top 10 in Class 5A along with Lexington (No. 4) and River Bluff (No. 8). 

Gray Collegiate enjoyed its most successful athletic campaign in school history. Along with claiming state championships for the first time in football and softball, the West Columbia school’s boys basketball team won its fourth Class 2A title ,and baseball and boys soccer were state runners-up. 

"We are excited to finish third in the Carlisle Cup,” said Adam Holmes, Gray Collegiate’s head football coach and athletics director. “It's a testament to the hard work of our coaches and players.  I think it's impressive to finish that high with only offering 12 varsity sports. It was a great year athletically and we look to keep growing in our success!!”

Gilbert High School finished in ninth place in Class 3A, giving Lexington County School District 1 three schools that placed in the Carlisle Cup. 

2021-22 Carlisle Cup Final Rankings

Class 5A

1. Wando (1,110), 2. Chapin (960), 3. J.L. Mann (876), 4. Lexington (840), 5. Fort Mill (770), 6. Dorman (710), 7. Riverside (676), 8. River Bluff (550), 9. Mauldin (520), 10. Summerville (510)

Class 4A

1. Eastside (940), 2. Greenville (920), 3. A.C. Flora (910), 4. Catawba Ridge (840), 5. Hilton Head (720), 6. James Island (670), 7. Lucy Beckham (660), 8. May River (540), 9. West Florence (510), 10. North Augusta (480)

Class 3A

1. Oceanside Collegiate (1,040), 2. Bishop England (830), 3. Daniel (760), 4. Waccamaw (690), 5. Wren (680), 6. Powdersville (610), 7. Seneca (600), 8. Chapman (500), 9. Gilbert (490), 10. Camden (470)

Class 2A

1. Phillip Simmons (970), 2. Christ Church (890), 3. Gray Collegiate (650), 4. St. Joseph’s (580), 5. Greer Middle College (460), 6. Landrun (450), 7. Andrew Jackson (430), 8. Timberland (330), 9. Crescent (320), 10. Buford (310)