The Jones Middle School Bears are continuing their own tradition of excellence, capturing the State Middle School title for the fifth time in the last eight years, 13-3 over the Cincinnati Blue Jays. The Jays are a team comprised of future Cincinnati Moeller and St. Xavier players.

Head Coach Brett Diehl's Bears were playing in the championship game for the seventh time in the last eight years and outscored their opposition, 48-13 to stand atop the mountain in Ohio middle school lacrosse.

Diehl and Hastings Head Coach Dan Hendrickson have sent a steady stream of talent to the high school over the last two decades. "It's great to see our guys come up here to the high school and contribute as sophomores," said Diehl. One of his products, UA sophomore attackman Alex Drake, was a major force in the Bears Midwest title run, scoring six goals over the two-game set in Detroit. Drake was named the offensive Most Valuable Player of the tournament. "I can't remember the last time a sophomore was even mentioned for an award like that."

Perhaps an even prouder moment for Diehl and his coaching peers is to watch those middle school players move from high school to college and then become productive citizens. "Those kids come back and work our camps and give back to the program. It's great."

Upper Arlington Mens Lacrosse certainly benefits from a well-established feeder system, directed by quality coaches, that will keep the Bears high school program stocked for years to come.

The Bears scored the first four goals of the game en route to the 2007 title, finishing the season a perfect 16-0.