After a rocky start that saw the Cape Cod Tech Crusaders drop four of their first five games, the team rallied with eight consecutive victories that propelled them into the playoffs as the seventh seed. Their momentum carried through three playoff upsets, culminating in a 30‑24 victory over South Shore Tech in the state vocational small‑school championship game in December 2024.
The final featured a daring halfback pass that swung the momentum and sealed a Cinderella run, a moment that epitomized the team’s newfound belief. The win marked the school’s first ever vocational small school state title and sparked a celebration that would later be immortalized in championship rings.
On July 28, 2025, players, coaches, trainer Holly Talpey and Athletic Director Alan Harrison gathered to receive the personalized rings designed by Coach Calvin Castillias. Each ring bears the Crusader logo, maroon and black gems, and the inscription ‘STATE CHAMPIONS’, while the backside carries the wearer’s last name, position and jersey number.
The design also incorporates the Hawaiian word ‘ohana’, a reminder of the family bond that underpinned the season’s turnaround. The rings serve as a tangible reminder of the motto ‘It’s not about how they start, it’s how they finish’, a phrase that guided the squad through adversity.
A Symbol of Unity
The ceremony highlighted more than just athletic achievement; banners commemorating the Mayflower Athletic Conference title and the state vocational championship were raised alongside the rings, reinforcing a sense of community pride. Coach Castillias introduced each player individually, praising their contributions and emphasizing accountability as the turning point after their fourth loss to South Shore Tech. The collective recognition underscored the team’s resilience and the lasting impact of their journey.