By Adam Eisenbarth
Broncs athletes gathered in the Ponoka Composite High School gym June 15 to celebrate their accomplishments on the field of battle.
The Athletic BBQ and Awards presentation was a way of recognizing the school’s athletic program and its athletes. Athletic director Jody Carothers says it’s a fun way to reflect on the year and recognize the students.
“It’s awesome. That’s why we decided we wanted to start recognizing them with two awards. We just want to recognize more kids. It’s all about participation as far as we’re concerned.”
Male and female Bronc of the Year and Athlete of the Year awards were handed out, as well as Ponoka Athletic Awards that encourage participation in multiple sports. Some students received a PA4, which means they finished with 90 points or more. JV players can receive up to 11 points per sport, while seniors can receive 15.
PA4 awards went to Jaden Krause, Wendy Smith, Amara Fofana, Colin Horan, Lane Hudson, and Richelle Hoar who credits the work of the school to develop such strong sports programs.
“It’s a really excellent opportunity for all athletes to develop our skills. It’s provided an opportunity for us to go on to be post-secondary athletes.”
Hoar participated in volleyball, basketball, badminton and cross-country running throughout her time at the high school and was also named Female Senior Bronc of the Year. Sports have clearly been a big part of her life.
“It’s a good way to develop leadership skills and work with other people.”
Along with his PA4, Hudson took home Male Senior Bronc of the Year.
Hudson participated in basketball, cross-country running, track and field, badminton and curling. The talented athlete also thinks highly of the sports programs at the school.
“All the coaches put in a lot of time and effort and without them we wouldn’t have the excellent programs that we have,” he said.
“It’s a really good night just to thank all the parents, the coaches and the athletes and make it known that it’s an honour to play sports at the high school level.”
Carothers, who coaches basketball and track and field, says a strong sports program is not just a reflection of the school, but the community.
“Our athletes are competing all over Alberta and that showcases Ponoka. We’ve done outstanding provincially in a lot of different sports and that says something for our community and for our coaches, the school and the pride that we put into our athletes.”
Along with the two senior Bronc winners, there were a number of talented athletes recognized for their outstanding work.
In Grade 9, wrestler Kelsey Raab was named Female Athlete of the Year, while Kenton Rodney took the Male Athlete of the Year Award.
Jenica Krause was named Grade 10 Female Bronc of the Year, alongside Isatue Fofana who took home Grade 10 Female Athlete of the Year.
Austin Jacobson was named Grade 10 Male Bronc, and Tucker Dougherty was named Grade 10 Male Athlete honours.
Jaycee Devries and Emily Jensen won Grade 11 Female Bronc and Victoria Rose was awarded Grade 11 athlete of the year.
Grade 11 Bronc was Matt Noble, while Colin Horan was named Grade 11 athlete of the year.
Wendy Smith and Amara Fofana were named senior athletes of the year.