The Washington boys swim team did something this past weekend that no Pam Pack team has accomplished in nearly three decades. The 1988 women’s cross country squad was the last to bring home state championship gold until this past weekend.

The Pam Pack boys, fueled by impressive performances from top to bottom and individual 100-yard backstroke state champion Kevin Andrews, pulled away at the end of the meet to claim the program’s first ever 1-A/2-A state title. Everyone from the team to coach Spencer Pake to alumnus Peter Birdsong was visibly ecstatic following the win.

It’s an impressive feat to earn the label of being the best of the best in the 1-A and 2-A classifications. The Pam Pack faithful who made the trek to Cary for the meet waited for the team in the lobby of the Triangle Aquatic Center. They took turns congratulating the boys on their accomplishments, but it was still hard to fathom that a championship would be accompanying the team back to Washington.

Plenty of great teams have come through Washington. The Pam Pack football team made the state championship in 2014. The boys’ soccer team earned the chance to contend for a state title just a few months ago.

It isn’t limited to just Washington High School. Beaufort County has seen its fair share of formidable teams. Northside’s boys’ basketball team, led by Kentucky-bound Edrice “Bam” Adebayo, made it to the regional championship last year. The Panthers fell to eventual state champion and No. 1 seed East Carteret.

Another accomplished team to have taken the field recently is Southside football. The Seahawks rolled through most opponents en route to a regional championship showdown with Plymouth. They, too, fell to an eventual state champion.

So, congratulations to Washington’s boys for bringing gold to Beaufort County. While some phenomenal prep teams have graced this area, it’s nice to see a championship come home.