Unbeaten Delaware state champ Archmere Academy earns White House invitation
CLAYMONT, Del. (BVM) – The Archmere Academy football season was one for the history books. The Auks had a stellar season that saw them go a perfect 13-0, the best mark in school history, while winning the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association Class 2A state championship, the program’s first state title since 1982. Archmere left no doubt during its final contest, beating Woodbridge 27-0 in the state title game to put a cap on the historic season.
“It’s pretty great,” Auks head coach John Bellace said. “We’ve been waiting a long time for it. … The community is pretty excited about what these guys were able to accomplish.”
For Bellace, the victory was a completion of a journey that had gotten close but hadn’t achieved that final step. The year prior, the Auks made it to the championship game but fell short which also put an end to what could’ve been another unbeaten season. Securing the championship this time around brought some closure for the team’s leader.
“There’s no other way to say it than relief, that was my first feeling,” Bellace said. “We kind of felt coming into the year this was going to be a really good shot for us. … We felt if we put in the work we would be able to get there, but it’s hard. Any time you do it, no matter how good your team is, no matter how hard you work, it is hard to get down that long road to that point. So when we finally saw that clock hit zeros, it was excitement but also a bit of relief for sure.”
While the season and state championship may have been memorable enough, the Auks weren’t done receiving honors. During the team’s celebration at the school on Dec. 17, a special guest made a virtual visit to congratulate the players and staff. That guest was President Joe Biden, a graduate of Archmere in 1961, who played football for the Auks during his time at the school.
Back then, Biden was one of the best players for the program and may have even established himself as one of the best players in the state. Biden led the Auks in scoring as a senior as a running back and wideout, scoring 10 touchdowns for the undefeated unit. One of his former teammates, quarterback Bill Peterman, would even post video of Biden’s athletic triumphs to YouTube, showing that stories of the politician’s abilities were not a telltale.
During his pre-recorded video, the President had many nice words to say about his alma mater and their successful 2021 campaign.
“Congratulations to Coach Bellace and the entire football team for bringing home the first state title for Archmere in 39 years. I’m so darn proud of you,” Biden said. “So many of my strongest memories, enduring values and cherished friendships come from the lessons I learned at Archmere. I promise you, this team, this school and this incredible achievement will stay with you forever.”
In addition to his words of praise, the former Auk also presented an opportunity to the team that is usually reserved for higher levels of sport. In the video, President Biden extended an invitation for the Auks to visit him at the White House.
“Fellas, it is a tradition for the President of the United States to host championship teams,” Biden said. “Tom Brady and the Buccaneers came and celebrated the Super Bowl at the White House, I had them here. I think it’s only right I host all of you to celebrate your title as well. Consider this an invite.”
Prior to signing off, Biden also gave words of encouragement to the members of the team. From one Auk to another, he expressed his gratitude for the institution that helped forge him and his eventual path to the presidency and he expressed to the current Auks that with the experiences they’ve had so far, they too can find success.
“One thing Archmere taught me, and I really believe it, when I got to Archmere I was a kid who stuttered. Archmere gave me confidence. If I made it through Archmere I knew I could do anything,” Biden said. “They taught me I could be anything I wanted to be. So stick with it, whatever you want to do. Remember, the same fortitude that made you State Champions is the same kind of grit you need to become successful at whatever you do. … I’ll see you soon at the White House I hope. We will work it out.”
“The same kind of fortitude that made you State Champions is the same kind of grit you need to become successful at whatever you do.”
@POTUS Auk #30 had a special invitation for the football team today! We’ll see you at the White House. 🐧 Go Auks! pic.twitter.com/P74Bn2ovKj
— Archmere Academy (@ArchmereAcademy) December 17, 2021
Bellace, who knew about the video prior to the event and had to “keep my mouth shut for a change,” was happy to hear the message Biden sent to his team, upholding the traditions and beliefs of the program.
“When you hear him talk about the grit that helps you win a championship is going to be what helps you the rest of your life, that it’s more important to play with passion and integrity and love for the guy next to you than it is to win a football game, these are the things we preach to them all the time,” Bellace said. “So to hear somebody who came through our school and our program talk about the same values we’re trying to communicate I think validates everything we’re talking about with the guys.”
Currently, there are no concrete plans for the team to make the trip to D.C. to visit the President, but just the invitation is enough for the coach.
“I know that the invitation is sincere,” Bellace said. “Obviously with everything else going on, not just the pandemic but around the country, I’m certainly going to allow them to take their time and see what they can work out. If we can get there that’d be great, it would be a big honor for us but just the invitation itself is a big honor.”
Though the season would’ve been memorable in itself, with it being an undefeated campaign and one ending a 39-year state title drought, the addition of going to the White House like so many other professional teams have done over the years would be icing on the cake for Archmere. With that visit, the Auks can put themselves in the same position as legendary and memorable teams and even some of their heroes and idols. That will make for the perfect end to a truly perfect season.
