SPANISH FORT, Ala. — Local residents eager to see the Spanish Fort High School Toros’ receive the formal — and visible — recognition that three consecutive years of state championships deserve will have their wish granted by mid-June.

Once completed, the $3,600 marquee-style sign will stand 96 feet wide and 9.5 feet high, commemorating the seven 5A state championships the Toros have brought home during the past three years. The most recent championships — in baseball and girls’ soccer — were actually clenched within the past week.

“We’re praying for it to be finished within the next 30 days,” Bonner said.

Originally, city leaders planned to erect a celebratory sign at each of the city’s five entry points, but Bonner said the Alabama Department of Transportation denied the request because the proposed signs would have been constructed within ALDOT’s rights of way.

Bonner opted instead to pursue erecting a sign on Baldwin County Board of Education property leading to the high school, a proposal that met with no resistance and unanimous approval from the City Council.

In addition, Bonner said the council has discussed the possibility of erecting a second sign on city property should plans proceed for the construction of a city complex and community center.

The current sign will honor the following 5A state championship teams:

• 2009 Track and Field
• 2009 Cross-Country
• 2010 Track and Field
• 2010 Baseball
• 2010 Football
• 2011 Baseball
• 2011 Girls’ Soccer

“We know it’s long overdue, but all we want to do is create something that serves as a gentle reminder of how outstanding the youth of Spanish Fort are, and we certainly want to share our pride with anybody visiting the city.

“The best part is that we can keep adding to it,” Bonner said.