Oct. 28—INDIANAPOLIS — For the first time in nearly 70 years, Bethany Christian has won a state title.

"I've never felt better in my life," junior goalkeeper Jacoby Reinhardt said after saving three kicks in the deciding shootout to aid the Bruins in the victory. "I'm not really a soccer-first kind of guy, it's not really my first sport, but knowing now that we came out there and won, that's probably the best feeling you can have in the world."

Reinhardt, who had helped Bethany Christian to a 4-0 record in shootouts entering the match, saved three shots in the penalties portion of Saturday's affair.

Senior Jayden Schlabach, who also had an impactful play towards the end of regulation, stepped up for the final kick. The shot was high, but on frame, sending the senior and his Bruins teammates to celebrate the way only a state champion can: with lots of emotion.

"I was feeling way more nervous than I was at semi-state," Schlabach said, who also scored the winning penalty last weekend in Kokomo to send Bethany to Indianapolis Saturday. "I was getting goosebumps so I went up to kick it and I was like 'oh shoot', but it went in."

"It sounds wonderful," Bethany Christian head coach Tony Janzen said when asked how being the first team in school history to win the state championship sounds. "It's been a wild ride, I'm speechless. What do you say?"

Fists pumped in the air and the clang of metal bleachers surrounded the Michael A. Carroll Track and Soccer Stadium.

Rightfully so; the large collection of fans dressed in blue were there to finally witness the Bruins as the last team standing — regardless of sport.

Think Tony Janzen is fired up about a state title? Crowd is too by the way. pic.twitter.com/hrVJH9VUMA

— Matt Lucas (@Matt_LucasTGN) October 28, 2023