Lexington School District 1 made David Bennett a proud “DAD” this school year.

As the District Athletics Director, Bennett helps the district’s schools develop a district athletic calendar, review and revise the district’s athletic handbook and assisting schools in developing athletic budgets.

With 2 state titles won by Lexington (girls’ golf, competitive cheer) and Gilbert (girls’ golf, baseball) and 1 by River Bluff (boys basketball), to go with 2 state runners-up (Gilbert wrestling, Lexington boys soccer) and a Lower State runner-up (Gilbert football), it had 3 programs which finished high in the annua Carlisle Cup rankings.

An award determined by a points system based on how well teams fare in their respective sports, the Carlisle Cup made its return after a 1-year hiatus due to covid-19. Both Lexington and River Bluff placed 4th and 5th, respectively, in Class 5A and Gilbert finished 6th in Class 3A.

“It’s a tribute to all the hard work our coaches and athletes put in through many obstacles and modifications,” Lexington head football coach and athletics director Perry Woolbright said.

“We had a great year athletically at Gilbert High School and that’s a credit to our coaches and student athletes,” Gilbert head football coach and athletics director Chad Leaphart said. “Phenomenal job this year by all involved especially adding in all the obstacles created by (covid-19).”

This school year saw teams deal with shortened playoffs and following various protocols in light of the pandemic.

Lexington School District 1 teams were not the only ones who did well in the Carlisle Cup. Chapin was the 3rd Chronicle Country to finish in the top 10 of Class 5A. It tied with Summerville for 9th, the same as Gray Collegiate in Class 2A.

2020-21 CARLISLE CUP TOP 10

CLASS 5A

1. Wando (1130), 2. Dorman (840), 3. JL Mann (828.33), 4. Lexington (770), 5. River Bluff (620), 6. Fort Mill (600), 7. Riverside (520), 8. TL Hanna (470), 9 (tie). Chapin & Summerville (460)

CLASS 4A

1. AC Flora (1120), 2. Eastside (940), 3. Hilton Head Island (930), 4. Greenville (760), 5. James Island (740), 6. Catawba Ridge (690), 7. May River (630), 8. Travelers Rest (540), 9. Myrtle Beach (520), 10. North Myrtle Beach (450)

CLASS 3A

1. Bishop England (900), 2. Oceanside Collegiate (836.67), 3. Daniel (700), 4. Seneca (620), 5. Waccamaw (600), 6. Gilbert (550), 7. Powdersville (500), 8. Wren (450), 9. Camden (420), 10. Blue Ridge (400)

CLASS 2A

1. Phillip Simmons (900), 2. Christ Church (840), 3. St. Joseph’s (650), 4. Andrew Jackson (490), 5. Greer Middle College (450), 6. Landrum (410), 7. Legion Collegiate (390), 8. Woodland (360), 9 (tie). Crescent & Gray Collegiate (310)