NORWICH – The Norwich varsity girls’ soccer team has brought a whole new meaning to the term “playing smart.”

Improved play on the field led to five wins this past season, but no other New York girls’ soccer team was better in the classroom. Friday, Jan. 4, Norwich High School unveiled a new banner as the Tornado girls were selected as the New York Scholar/Athlete state champions by the New York Public High School Athletic Association.

Over 440 member schools were eligible for the soccer team award, and Norwich’s cumulative 97-point average in the classroom was number one in the state. “You hear about all sports scandals in college and pro sports, but right here in Norwich and the surrounding area, the athletes have things in perspective,” said Norwich Director of Athletics Steve Griffin. “This is the stuff you should be talking about.”