Oceanside Collegiate Academy’s athletic program was ranked first in the state of South Carolina and eighth in the United States by MaxPreps. The site that specializes in high school sports coverage announced its final MaxPreps Cup standings for the 2022-23 school year.
The recognition comes on the tail of another prestigious recognition: the Carlisle Cup, awarded by the South Carolina Administrators Association in June. OCA earned the distinction for 2A division schools.
“This recognition of all the hard work put in by the administrators, coaches and most importantly, the student-athletes, is truly appreciated,” OCA Athletic Director Mark Meyer said. “Our family-centric culture, emphasizing elite academics in addition to elite athletics, truly works.”
MaxPreps awards points to schools for state championships and state runner-up finishes as well as national rankings. Additional points are weighted based on the popularity of a sport based on participation numbers, the size of the state and the enrollment of the schools in the playoff division.
OCA ended the 2022-23 school year with an impressive seven state championship teams under its belt and five other teams ending their seasons as state runner-ups. The boys’ soccer team finished their season second in the nation, and the girls’ soccer team ended the season ranked 17th in the United States.
Oceanside made a jump to eighth in the 2022-23 rankings from a No. 33 final ranking in the 2021-22 MaxPreps Cup.
Other East Cooper schools were also featured in the top five of the list for the state, including Wando High School, whose program ranked second in South Carolina and No. 44 in the nation.
Wando High School Athletic Director Mark Buchman said the school’s roughly 1,000 student athletes are motivated by the school’s legacy and strive to maintain the athletic powerhouse’s reputation.
“It's been ingrained in these kids,” Buchman said. “It's the history and the legacy that goes with all the sports that these kids know and the coaches know and the parents know.
Every team at Wando High School made it to their respective playoffs last season, he added. The school was also awarded the Carlisle Cup for 5A schools in June for the ninth time in 10 years. The recognition is given to schools with superior athletic programs in the state.
Bishop England High School ranked fourth in South Carolina, and 95th in the United States.
BE Athletic Director Paul Runey said the school’s program has several students who play multiple sports, which creates well-rounded athletes.
“As I say you only get one shot and playing multiple sports is good for your body,” Runey said. “You got a chance to meet different kids, different friends. You got a chance to experience different aspects of the high school life.”
