Sometimes it takes more than just fans to show a school’s true spirit – sometimes it takes “crazies.”

The self-described “Clay Crazies” were announced today as winners of the inaugural Sunshine State Spirit Showdown, sponsored by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Clay High School, in Green Cove Springs, was selected from among 16 finalists in the contest to promote sportsmanship and school spirit in communities across the state.

Each participating school submitted a video, and through a combination of fan voting and evaluations from the FHSAA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Clay High School came out on top in the statewide contest. With their enthusiasm and creativity, the “Clay Crazies” demonstrated their support for high school athletics across a number of sports. They will be recognized with a commemorative plaque and personalized banner, which will be presented at an event hosted at the school.

“Clay High School’s entry celebrates the unique spirit and camaraderie that high school athletics bring to communities throughout Florida,” said FHSAA Executive Director Dr. Roger Dearing. “We’re tremendously proud of Clay and the other 15 finalists for embracing what Florida high school sports is truly about.”

The contest videos were judged on sportsmanship, participation, school spirit, organization of student body, creativity and fun. Also factored into the final determination were more than 10,200 votes cast via FHSAA’s YouTube page, Facebook and Twitter.

“All 16 finalists submitted amazing videos, but Clay High School’s entry was something special,” said Morgan Thornton, a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and student at St. Francis Catholic High School in Gainesville. “You could really see the passion that members of the student body and community have for their school.”

The “Clay Crazies” video and the other finalists can be viewed on FHSAA’s YouTube channel.