by Bea Peterson
It was a phenomenal year for HFCS sports. There were three State championships. The Girls Soccer team won the State title for the second year in a row. The Football team won its first ever State title and a 106 pound wrestler. Luis Weierbach, brought HFCS its first State title in that sport. Many of the school’s athletes were recognized by the WASAREN League, by State high school sports organizations and by area newspapers for their sports accomplishments. Some victories were small, others large. All were milestones.
[private]The Boys Lacrosse team had its first victory in its starting season. The girls basketball team had a pretty good season, but Coach DeGraaf said the biggest accomplishment of the boys and girls teams was raising $5,000 for the Karen McGovern Fund. All of these accomplishments and more were spoken by the 14 coaches at the Sports Banquet on Thursday, May 30.
Congressman Gibson
Special guest and guest speaker at the banquet was U.S. Congressman Chris Gibson. He commended the students for their accomplishments, both academically and scholastically. This is an extraordinary community, he told them, and you are a legacy for this community. “The things I learned in high school athletics, the values I learned, have helped me in combat and throughout my life,” he said. “After graduation you may never see half your classmates again, but never forget where you came from. Whether you go off to college, join the workforce or the military, you will do well.” The Congressman then presented School Superintendent Ken Facin with a certificate of special recognition to HFCS for academic and athletic excellence from the U.S. House of Representatives.
In return, Coach Mark Folgert presented Congressman Gibson a jacket made especially for him with his name and the championships on it. The Congressman said he would wear it proudly.
Every Coach had outstanding comments to make regarding his or her players. Key words were great work ethic, personal pride in accomplishments, great attitude, good sportsmanship, always striving to do better, treating others with respect. Football Coach Ron Jones had stories to tell of come from behind victories because his team “never bought into someone else’s perception” [of what they could do].
All the coaches heaped praise on the School Board and the Varsity Club for their support and on Paul Baker and the school custodial department for all they do. They offered a special thank you to all the parents who gave so much and sacrificed so much for the athletes and the teams. No doubt the coaches are deserving of that praise as well. Lastly, there was a thank you to Ms. Brooks and her staff for the delicious buffet dinner.
Sports Awards
Football
Offensive MVP – Billy Pine
Defensive MVP – Lance Rice Wilder
Jack Hayden Award – Brad Burns
Girls Soccer
Player of the Year Award – Grace Delurey
Player of the Year Award – Alice Hayden
Player of the Year Award – Anna Restino
Wrestling
Coaches Award – Luis Weierbach
Robert H. Marsh Award – Brad Burns
Most Improved Wrestler – Bryan Sherman
Field Hockey
Offensive MVP – Carsen Williams
Defensive MVP – Vanessa O’Brien
Coaches Award – Frankie Pearson
Boys Soccer
Dr. Carleton Reed Award – Offensive – Tyler Carr
Dr. Carleton Reed Award – Defensive – Taylor Baker
Sean Webber Memorial MVP Award – Evan Phillips
Bowling
Coaches Award – Logan Brogue
Wayne Magisano Memorial Bowling Award – Bryan Callahan
George “Gid” Cuddihy Memorial Bowling Award – Josh Conn
Golf
Dedication Award – Eric Bloomer
Coaches Award – Jake Nolan Francis J. Bachorz Achievement Award – Andrew Hoag
Cheerleading
Most Improved Award – Lastacia Wilder
Team Spirit Award – Olivia Cushman
Coaches Award – Zacariah Heim
Boys Basketball
Most Improved Award – Evan Phillips
Leadership Award – Chris LaCroix
John E. Harrison Award – Taylor Baker
Girls Basketball
Unsung Hero Award – Carsen Williams
Most Improved Player – Rachel Pine
Impact Player of the Year – Frankie Pearson
Softball
Most Valuable Player – Frankie Pearson
Offensive MVP – Frankie Pearson
Coaches Award – Chelsea Stevens
Baseball
Leadership Award – Josh Brogue Defensive MVP – Logan Brogue
Frank S. Stevens Award – Billy Pine
Girls Lacrosse
Most Improved Player – Keri Wilkins
Complete Player Award – Bailey Michaels
Coaches Award – Rachel Green
Boys Lacrosse
Offensive MVP – Noah LaBarge
Defensive MVP – Mark Hackett
Coaches Award – Logan Hoyt
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