The record breaking season is over for Wildkat football, but the celebrations are not over. The team was honored with multiple All-District awards, such as District Coach of the Year, district MVP and numerous first and second team awards and many other top accolades.
After a perfect 10-0 season and a trip deep into the play-offs, Coach Trent Miller was chosen by his peers as District Coach of the Year.
“It is a tremendous honor that speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication by every member of our program,” Miller said. “As the head coach, I could not have the success without an amazing coach staff and team right there with me. This award represents all of us and I could not be more proud to share it with all the men and women associated with our program.”
Miller was joined by many of his athletes on the honor list. Junior Justin Willis was named first team All District Kicker.
(photo or infographic by Ashley Briones)
“It is an absolute honor to be named first-team all-district kicker. I am so grateful to be recognized for my efforts,” junior Justin Willis said. “I am incredibly proud of this award, and I would not have been able to do it without the support of my coaches, Coach Miller, Coach Howard, my teammates and especially my family. As a kicker, I know that my role is often overlooked, but I also know that I can make a big impact on the outcome of a game. I have always taken pride in my accuracy and consistency, and I am always striving to improve my skills.”
There were also 29 football players honored for their hard work in the classroom by being named to the Academic All District teams.
“This achievement is bigger than any you can achieve on the field,” Miller said. “Football ends for all of us one day. The one thing nobody can ever take away from you is your education.”
In addition, one player who had the ability to catch a football from vast distances was able to become recognized for his skills as well.
“I felt good winning 1st team-wide receiver for the second year in a row,” junior Jalen Mickens said. “I just continued to work and become better than I was last year to win that award.”
Varsity football wasn’t the only team to be recognized for their achievements this season. Volleyball was able to pull through and have many players recognized as well.
Celebrating 1000 career kills, junior Carly Paugh was named to the first team All District.
(photo or infographic by Emily Meachen)
“Winning this award two years in a row is very exciting,” junior Carly Paugh said. “I have been playing volleyball since I was nine, and it’s always been a goal of mine to play on varsity. Accomplishing every goal that I have ever set isn’t just done by myself. I couldn’t accomplish anything without the help of my teammates and my coaches, so being allowed to thank them for helping earn my awards and helping me accomplish my goals is truly a blessing.”
But winning an award was a shocking and exciting accomplishment to some players who have approved over the years.
“I was extremely shocked when I saw,” senior Haley Truett said. “I never expected to make 2nd team all district. It was super exciting. I think what I did better this season was I was more versatile on the court. I played where my coach put me and where my team needed me.”
Being able to give it your all on the court is an achievement many players were able to receive, but the academics off the court were also honored by many players on the volleyball team. Every varsity player was part of the Academic All District team. In addition, six seniors received Academic All State honors.
“To be honored you have to have a 94 or higher average for all four years of high school,” senior Sophie Satterwhite said. “All six seniors on the volleyball team were named Academic All State. That shows how we do a good job of keeping each other accountable.”
