Gallatin’s annual winter sports banquet opened last Thursday night with a welcome by Alicia Chrisman on behalf of the R-5 booster club. Among many others, she thanked boosters and family members for their support, and concession workers who helped raise money for the scholarship fund and coaches’ wish lists.
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Outgoing seniors received gift bags from the booster club.
R-5 athletic director Rick Lin thanked many, including those whose efforts led to the establishment of the digital wall of fame in the high school commons.
Cheerleader sponsor Kelly Walker introduced basketball cheerleaders Maria Bickford, Mattie Burge (co-captain), Morgan Horvatin, Skyler Loxterman and Kara Stanley (co-captain).
"We had a small group of five, but that didn’t keep us from doing some pretty big things," Walker said. "They made me proud," she added.
Coach Rick Lin introduced players from his girls team that finished 11-15 overall and 3-6 in the GRC.
"We knew coming into the season that we were in the second year of a rebuilding program," he said. "I thought we took steps in the right direction," he added. "We had great team chemistry and I’m very proud of our efforts."
Members of the 2011-12 varsity girls team were, with special recognition: Kylie Collins, Kailey Elbert, Kaitlyn Hefley (rebounds, assists, steals), Sara Lin (2-pt. FG, 3-pt. FG, FT%, assists, steals), Bailey Morrison, Aubrey Nelson (rebounds), Kailey Salmon (rebounds, assists, steals), Elena Steele, Kristina Steele, Sabrina Steele, Josie Widner and Tory Wood (rebounds, 2-pt. FG).
Coach Lin recognized assistant coach Casey Moberly and thanked statisticians and managers Bailey Maxwell, Madison Rounkles, Jadrienne Steele and Kylie Cameron.
Also receiving special awards were: Tory Wood — Top Rebounder, Sara Lin — Offensive Player of the Year, Kaitlyn Hefley — Defensive Player of the Year, and Kailey Salmon — Most Improved Player.
"I saw some good things in the summer but didn’t really know what to expect," Coach Burke said, adding that he was pleased with 27 players who showed up for the first practice. "It was a highlight starting off the year by winning our own tournament," he added. "We had some good games in the conference and in others took our lumps, but I liked the way the kids responded.’
Members of the 2001-12 Bulldog varsity boys team were, along with statistical recognition: Jacob Boyd, Dane Brammer, Chris Cameron, Wesley Cole, Dexter Daniel (FG% co-leader, points, steals and rebound leader), Brandon Hunt (co-captain and FG% co-leader), Derrick Lin (FT%, assist and 3-pt. FG leader), Zack Lollar, Isaac Mattis, Grant Simmons, Daltonn Tompkins, Colton Trimble, Palmer Turley, Preston Turley (co-captain) and Mitchell Vanderslice.
Special awards were given to: Mitchell Vanderslice — Hustle Award, Chris Cameron — Defensive Player of the Year, Daltonn Tompkins — Most Improved, and Derrick Lin — Most Valuable Player.
Assistant coach Colby Gibson introduced players from his junior varsity squad. They were: Colton Beck, J.D. Berten, Brandon Bradley, Jesse Bundy, Tyler Carder, Anthony Esposito, Nicholas Flanagan, Wesley Lynn, Andrew Michael, Johnathon Moore and Micah Ray.
Head wrestling coach Barron Gann introduced members of the GHS squad that finished 12-12 in duals and a season-best second place in the Carrollton Tournament.
"We were a young team this year," he said. "I think the future with Gallatin’s wrestling program is pretty bright," he added, also saying that he was pleased with the camaraderie exhibited between varsity and middle school wrestlers.
Team members for the 2011-12 season were: Justin Anderson, Blake Cornett, Jimmy Dale, Kevin Eaton, Jonah Flanders, Justin Flanders, Adam France, Chad Ness, Devlin Smith, Zane Snow, Michael Stanley, Peter Steele and Trystan Sunby.
Coach Gann was assisted by Zach Morrison and Tim Michener.
State qualifiers Michael Stanley, Chad Ness, Jimmy Dale and Peter Steele were each named to the KAAN all-star team. Other special awards given were: Most Improved — Kevin Eaton, Rookie of the Year — Michael Stanley, Coaches Award — Chad Ness and Jimmy Dale, and Outstanding Wrestler — Peter Steele.
Steele was also recognized as Gallatin’s only four-time state qualifier, and as single season record holder for wins (45) and career win total of 142 victories.
Seventeen Bulldog athletes received academic all-conference awards, based on the previous semester. To be eligible, players must have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average and have received a varsity letter.
Those honorees were: Kevin Eaton, Devlin Smith, Michael Stanley, Tory Wood, Kailey Elbert, Bailey Morrison, Kylie Collins, Sara Lin, Aubrey Nelson, Kailey Salmon, Preston Turley, Wesley Cole, Derrick Lin, Zach Lollar, Palmer Turley, Jacob Boyd and Grant Simmons.