LHS Athletic Banquet

By Shari Harris,

Co-Publisher

The athletes of Licking High School, their families, coaches and guests attended the 2019 LHS Athletic Banquet Thursday, May 9, at the Sherman Hill Field House. Athletic Director Alison Lewis welcomed attendees and extended special thanks to many, including the LHS Booster Club; Mrs. Stacie Hutsell and the Multimedia Class, Mr. Colin Ellis and the Yearbook Staff, and Josh Murray for their slide show production and for providing pictures of events; and Lee Williams, Mrs. Brooke Kuhn and the Foods Class, Mrs. Jennifer Smith and all the Athletic Reception helpers for making the night happen.

After a wonderful ham dinner, the coaches took the stage with their athletes, in turn, to present awards. Coach Angela Barton led the awards with volleyball. Notably all members of this year’s varsity volleyball team were named Academic All State. Kylie Taylor was awarded Defensive Player of the Year. Offensive Player of the Year was Maddy Cole. The Assist Award went to Abby Cole. MaKayla Lewis received the Wildcat Award, also referred to by Coach Barton as the “I’m Third” award. The “I’m Third” concept refers to putting God first, others second and yourself third.

Coach Heather Hawn followed with Cross Country. After reviewing the numerous accomplishments of the boys’ and girls’ teams for the year, she presented the Most Valuable Runner Award – boys – to Keegan Black, and girls – to Kasey Richards. The Wildcat Award – boys – went to JB Huff, and girls – to Sara Taber.

Cheerleading coach Briana Link noted that Selena Sanchez, Tiana Lewis, Kelly Lewis, Abby Cole, Maddy Cole and Lizzy Lewis were all named Academic All State this year. The Most Spirit Award went to Ripleigh Sullins. Dawn Shepherd received Most Valuable Cheerleader Award. The Wildcat Award was presented to Tiana Lewis.

Girls’ basketball coach Steve Rissler presented many awards to his players, with the highlights of the evening as follows: Most Improved – Abagail Moncrief; X-Factor Award – shared between Lainy and Lexi Hadix; Hustle Award – Tomi Rose; Teammate Award – Anna Sullins; and Most Outstanding Player – Karlee Holland. Rissler praised his team’s fourth place finish in state, and announced the numerous awards achieved by his players throughout their season.

Coach Ben Glasgow took the stage next for his final LHS Athletic Banquet. After 10-years of coaching the Wildcats, Glasgow is moving on to Bolivar next year. Glasgow awarded the Assist Award to Wilson Murray, Most Outstanding Offensive Player to Kaden Quick, Most Outstanding Defensive Player to Michael Milhizer, Free Throw Award to G.T. Nicholson and MVP to G.T. Nicholson.

 Glasgow presented the three-member golf team of James Swan, Ryan Bever, and Sara Taber. James Swan was awarded MVP. Their season is not complete, with Swan qualifying to compete in the State Tournament at Rivercut Monday and Tuesday, May 13 and 14.

Coach Jimmie Stephens announced his pride in this year’s Tennis Team, with numerous individual wins. Tristen Melton was awarded Most Improved. Coach’s Awards went to Aubrie Stephens and Ashley Creek. MVP was Richelle Schwarz.

Baseball Awards were not awarded yet, as they are entering their district play beginning the week of May 13. Coach Harv Antle presented the team and announced Academic All State players Cainan Hutsell, Reece Derrickson, Wilson Murray, Carter Rinne, Michael Milhizer and Conner Medlock. Antle also announced that the team collectively was named an Academic All-State Team, second in state with a 3.71 team GPA. The LHS Baseball team is seeded first in district play. Senior players Carter Rinne and Michael Milhizer have been selected to play in the Senior All Stars game June 15.

Coach Heather Hawn returned to the stage with the track team. There are several stars on the track team this year. Twenty-six athletes in 17 events qualified for sectionals Sat., May 11, and some of these are expected to advance to State level competition on May 17 and 18. Most Valuable Runner Awards were awarded to Keegan Black and Maggie Cline. Most Valuable Player Field Event Awards went to Josh Lilly and Kelly Lewis. Wildcat Awards were earned by Eli Keeney and Heather Leuthen.

The last team of the evening was Coach Josh Gorman’s Softball Team. Offensive Player of the Year Award was given to Maria Diedrich. Defensive Player of the Year was earned by Ebonnie Baker. The Wildcat Award was shared between Jordan Krewson and Camryn Clayton.

All the athletes of Licking High School represented the school and community well. The caliber of athletes present throughout the different sports is impressive, and even more so when their academic success is taken into account. Based on the athletic and academic successes of the 2018-2019 school year, the future of these athletes and the future of LHS athletics is bright. Congratulations to all the athletes, their parents and the coaches on a great year.