Augusta’s soccer coaches Monty Rowland and Kyler Rowland handed out awards to the players Thursday at the year-end banquet.
Seniors Danny Goines and Nathan Crawford were selected as the team’s most valuable players.
Josh Riddle won the Unsung Hero award, Chase Daniels won the 110 Percent award, Ryan Albright won the offensive MVP and Landon Baker earned the most improved award.
At the awards banquet Tuesday night, football coach Steve Pazzie reflected on the Orioles’ season.
Unlike last year, there was plenty of positives to talk about. Augusta won two of three District games this season and made the playoffs after a winless ‘08 campaign. While there’s still a lot of work to do, Pazzie’s outlook on the next couple of years was positive. He noted that Augusta had a stretch like this before, when it lost a lot of games, but then won a couple more the next year, and a couple more the year after, then had a breakthrough season. He said he anticipates that this group of Orioles can get similar results.
Only three seniors on the football will be lost to graduation. Shane Smith, who earned honorable mention at tight end and linebacker in the all-Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League selections, was voted by his teammates to receive the football award. That award is given to the player who displays the best work ethic and conducts himself as best he can on the field.
Leonel Mestas received the award both for special teams and offensive player of the year. Mestas was the team’s leading rusher this season and returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Circle in Week 7.
Tanner Lee received defensive player-of-the-year honors for his play at linebacker. Lee, who earned first team all-AVCTL selection at the punter position, also received the inspirational team award.
The award for most improved player went to Alex Clausing.
Brendan Delancy was given the offensive scout award for helping prepare the team for its opponent during practice. Jeremiah Hooglugt received the defensive scout award.
