Gallatin R-5 athletes saluted at fall banquet

Athletes, coaches, parents and Gallatin sports boosters recognized accomplishments by GHS athletes Friday night at the annual fall sports banquet. R-5 athletic director Chris Elbert opened the evening with a welcome and Rev. Buck Cueni-Smith gave the invocation prior to the meal.

Heather Cole introduced the varsity football cheerleaders and thanked them for their efforts this season. Recognized were Whitney Wright, Emily Michener, Keira Story, Whitney Boyd, Kara Kloepping, Emily Gay, Danielle Critten, Taylor Henderson and Lacey Curtis (mascot).

First-year GHS softball coach Jeremy Hobbs reviewed the 2003 girls softball season that saw the Lady Bulldogs finish 3-5 in the Grand River Conference and 8-12 overall. Teams members were: Ayrica Batson, Kinsey Batson, Melissa Everman, Jennifer Guffey, Brittney Hixson, Kate Jarboe, Lindsey Love, Samantha Mott, Cori Nichols, Kelsie Parker, Hattie Rains, Dennelle Rhoades, Lindsey Robertson, Sheila Smith, Trisha Sprague, Alyssa Strein, Jamie Tummons and Katie Ward. Managers and statisticians were Whitney Ray, Kayce Corwin, Katie Patton and Etsuko Abe. Christy Prather served as assistant softball coach this season.

Special awards in softball went to: Trisha Sprague Rookie of the Year, Lindsey Love Most Valuable Player, Cori Nichols Athlete’s Heart; Jamie Tummons, Dennelle Rhoades, Hattie Rains, Sheila Smith and Katie Ward “Pork Chops.” Love and Ward were also recognized as 4-year letter winners.

Coach Chris Elbert reviewed the fall girls golf season. Lady Bulldog golfers finished 8-1 in meets, captured their 4th conference title in the last 5 years and finished 3rd in the district tournament. Members of the team this season were: Amy Anthuis, Whitney Boyd, Maria Burge, Danielle Critten, Dessa Crum, Stefanie Dowell, Emily Gay, Taylor Henderson, Melanie Jones, Becky Macy, Alecia McKee, Emily Michener, Keira Story, Katie Story and Kathy Walker. Sydney and Kailey Elbert served as golf managers.

Coach Elbert presented special awards to Danielle Critten Rookie of the Year, Maria Burge Most Improved, and Whitney Boyd Most Valuable Golfer.

Capping the evening’s program was Coach Mark Cole’s recap of the Bulldogs’ 5-5 football season. Team members honored were: Andrew Adkison, Clayton Baker, Chris Barnes, Dillon Bird, Adam Boyd, Zac Bradley, Duke Burge, Nic Burrell, Logan Corwin, Jonathon Davis, Patrick Dickinson, Justin Duffy, Jacob Gardner, Kyle Hefley, Rusty Hendricks, Daniel Horvatin, Calvin Horvatin, Klint Kloepping, Marcus Lacy, Drayson Leeper, Derrick Love, Mark Maillet, Jason McGee, Ethan Merrigan, Brandon Meseberg, Tyler Nichols, Riley Rains, Mitch Riley, Nick Rogers, Alex Shelton, Jon Stephensen, Adam Strein, Colby Swanstone, Austin Walker, Ben Weldon, Brett Wilkinson and Sean Wood. Sheldon Turley and Kelsie Parker served as team managers this season. Brittney Hixson and Allison Lockridge kept stats for the team. Assistant coaches this year were Doug Nichols, Brett Adkison and Buck Cueni-Smith.

Coach Cole closed the evening by announcing special awards that went to: Tyler Nichols Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year and 4-year letter winner; Colby Swanstone Offensive Player of the Year, Duke Burge Newcomer of the Year, Adam Strein Hustle and Desire, and Rusty Hendricks Most Improved.