The Safford Bulldogs placed ahead of defending state champions, Marana Mountain View (Division II) and Show Low (D-III) as well as 2017 state runners-up, Yuma and St. John's.
Phoenix is slated to host more than 2,000 athletic administrators, spouses, guests and exhibitors who will converge on the “Valley of the Sun” Dec. 8-12 for the 48th annual National Athletic Directors Conference (NADC)