Ponoka Secondary Campus held its annual athletics awards banquet on Tuesday, June 9 to celebrate the achievements and personal growth of its junior high and high school athletes.
The school honours the students with a series of awards, taking into account athleticism, participation and leadership shown during school sports.
During the ceremony, staff, students and community members in attendance heard from each of the school sport team captains as they regaled their season and thanked the coaches and their supports.
Football captain Ashton Soosay took to the microphone to talk about the developments the team continues to see under the guidance of the coaches. “This year’s football team, I think it was one of the best seasons we’ve ever had.”
Cross-county coach Shawn Hollingsworth encouraged students who attended the banquet to consider investing in the sport in the future. “It’s an amazing sport and a lifelong sport.”
He is also hoping more students will join the team next year. “It’s one of those fringe sports I think all athletes can partake in.”
“We had a good year. I’d like to congratulate all the runners,” he added.
A theme spoken about by many of the team captains was the how much of a positive influence the coaches and team supports are for the students.
“This year, starting out, we really grew as a team,” said junior high girls’ volleyball captain Maia Hoogers, who made sure to thank the coaches for that.
Junior varsity girls’ volleyball captain Regan Corkery told the banquet about how many game skills the team had developed over the season.
“We had a great group of girls this year,” said Corkery.
“Thank you to coach (Ron) Labrie and all the girls for a fun year,” she added.
Senior boys’ volleyball captain Tavis Lee told the audience his team had a strong season under Labrie. “On behalf of the guys I’d like to thank coach Labrie . . . I speak for many in saying he has had a huge impact on my life and others.”
Over the course of the season, when a game was not going as the boys’ hoped Labrie never let the students’ drive or spark fail, says Lee.
But the love and support for the teams was not just recognized in the coaches. “I’d also like to thank the parents,” said junior varsity boys’ basketball coach David Majoros.
Award recipients:
Grade 7 Bronc of the Year – Emily Davis, Maia Hoogers and Mick Mercer
Grade 8 Bronc of the Year – Shayla Ennis, Tori McNalley, Owen Feragen and Travis Hyink
Grade 9 Bronc of the Year – Alexi Buffalo and Joel MacLeod
Grade 9 Athlete of the Year – Kiana Weed and Clayton Raugust
Grade 10 Bronc of the Year – Leanne Wiancko and Jayden Hagemann
Grade 10 Athlete of the Year – Tess Pearman and DJ Horne
Grade 11 Bronc of the Year – Hailey Boser and Darcy Hoogers
Grade 11 Athlete of the Year – Delaney Brachmann, Ashton Soosay and Carter Makofka
Grade 12 Bronc of the Year – Shaye Leidenius and Keenan Haines
Grade 12 Athlete of the Year – Daria Leidenius and Tavis Lee
Ponoka Athletic Awards 30 Points – Carter Makofka, Nick Seymour, Ashton Soosay, Wes Leis, Jordan Wombold, Kellyn Pritchard, Casey Cahoe, Dallon Perry, Kendyl Stretch, Ranelle Muncaster, Dayna Brachmann and Tyson Matejka.
Ponoka Athletic Awards 60 Points – Darcy Hoogers, Jordan Labrie, Tavis Lee and Ryan Haines
Ponoka Athletic Awards 90 Points – Keenan Haines, Shaye Leidenius and Daria Leidenius