Photo by Jordan Holland Waterford’s Madison Hiener attacks the basket during the Ohio Division II state semifinals against Buckeye Central in March at UD Arena.

WATERFORD — This Sunday will mark six weeks since the Waterford girls basketball team claimed the Division IV state championship.

From 4-7 p.m. Sunday inside the Harry Cooper Annex, the team will hold a meet and greet dinner with members of the community. Chicken dinners will be served with prices varying from $10-12. No reservations are required and proceeds from the dinner will help offset the cost of championship rings for the players.

“It’s a chance for the community to spend time with the players, do pictures and stuff like that,” said Waterford head coach Jerry Close. “We couldn’t do it sooner because most of these girls had to get into their spring sports as soon as we were done. It’s a chance to give back to the community.”

This was Waterford’s second state championship and first since 2016. Members of the 2016 team are expected to be in attendance Sunday as well. The 2016 Wildcats held a postseason meet and greet after their championship run and Close said it was a big hit.

“We had a really good turnout for that,” the coach recalled. “It’s just a good time. People brought in programs and shirts and had the kids sign them. It’s a good way to get some closure for the community and the players, especially the seniors.”

As far as photo opportunities go, the Waterford players will be in their game uniforms and the state championship trophy also will be in the house.

Close said he finally had a chance to reflect on what a wild ride this season was with some of the players.

“I just had dinner with the seniors (Monday) night,” he said. “We’d been wanting to get together, but it seems like whenever I have time they have a ballgame, or when they have the time I’m working late or with my family. We finally sat down for three hours Monday and looked for rings and talked about the season.”

The community’s support is part of what makes playing basketball at Waterford so special, Close said.

“We talk about that a lot,” he said. “Most places we go, home or away or throughout the tournament, we usually have the biggest crowd. It’s always been that way. It’s something we don’t want to take for granted. The kids recognize it, and so we try to keep the community involved.”

In a flyer announcing the meet and greet, Close addressed the community by saying “I would also like to take this time to thank all of you who followed this wonderful group of young ladies during this season and especially during the tournament run. We live in a great community with a lot of support. We truly have the best fanbase everywhere we go. The roar of the crowd in Dayton was amazing. It is something the players will never forget.”

Fans who aren’t able to make Sunday’s celebration but would to make a donation or purchase state championship T-shirts can contact the Waterford High School office at (740) 984-2373.

Jordan Holland can be reached at jholland@mariettatimes.com.