Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

DAYTON–Participants in the recently completed football, volleyball and cheer Fall season were lauded at a Sports Dessert Monday, December 9. Standout members of each group were honored with awards and accolades by coaches.

On the Cheer Squad, illian Patterson was named Most Inspirational, an honor voted on by fellow cheerleaders, said Cheer Squad Advisor Vickie Hamann. Jordyn Helm was named Most Improved and Kylee Laughlin was the Squad's Most Valuable Player.

Cheer letter-pins went to Kenzie Dobbs, Lillian Patterson, Alicia Apodaca, Julia Brooks, Jessie Atteberry, Jurnee Griffen, JordynHelm, Kylee Laughlin, Marissa Mings, and Hannah Tiner.

Head Volleyball Coach Tara Brenner thanked the teammates' parents, the DW fans, football team, bus and transportation drivers, custodians, athletic director, volunteer line judges and school administration. "It's teamwork that makes the dream work," Brenner said.

She thanked the team for the opportunity. "I was proud to coach each one of you," Brenner said. "These are the hardest working ladies I know. They set goals and worked hard to reach them."

One team goal was to have fun, and the team coined a catch phrase for the season: "yammerdit," Brenner said. If someone did something right and well, they "yammerdit."

Assistant Coach Karen Huwe introduced team members Claudia Benavides, Megan Forney, Cassidy Laughery and Mackena Culley for their invaluable help on jayvees.

She thanked managers Raven Smith and Natalie Till.

The DW Award was presented to the Jayvee team rather than an individual player. The team played only nine matches and won quite a few sets, but specialized in being on the "come-back trail" on some of the losses.

Jayvees who received awards were: Laura Hill-Great Attitude; Anna Miller-Crunch Time; Kaylee White-Offensive Player and Co-Academic Achievement; Milena Gemmell-Most Improved (most kills); Michelle Gomez-Defensive Player; Trista Villaro-Most Inspirational; Kaylene Slack-Smash Award; Hendrix Groom-All Around Player; Alexis Reeves-Coach's Award; and Ella Larson-Captain Award and Co-Academic Achievement.

She thanked Pam Conover, grandmother of Amy Farley, for making goodie bags for each long road trip.

Coach Brenner applauded each senior player, stating some positive attributes before allowing the player to talk about what they learned and what they were thankful for.

-Kailyn Lewis, was the "glue" that held the team together, Brenner said. She led by example. Lewis learned about getting along with teammates, communicating and trusting, and having a good time.

-Elise Steinhoff was known for her play at libero, being a "defensive boss," and her jump serve. Steinhoff appreciated getting along with all of the team and "becoming family." She was thankful for the opportunity to play "all out, all the time," and for getting along with the team.

Trinity Abel also played libero and was an "undiggable digger. You came a long way and I loved your attitude," Brenner said. Abel will treasure the memories made with the team and is thankful for parents and coaches.

-Anna Miller will be remembered for starting the match Senior Night and scoring 13 in a row against White Swan, Brenner said. "What mattered most, was to be able to play this year." Miller appreciated the team pushing her to be a better player and helping her through the season.

-Amy Farley was praised for her intensity, being "a stellar teammate," and her coachability. Farley noted playing is not only about excelling in a sport, but also what one learns. She was thankful to everyone for "making it a great year." Farley received an academic award.

-Kirsten Miller had one goal at the beginning of the season, Brenner said, "kill."

"I believe you achieved your goal," Brenner said. Miller is an "extremely focused competitor and a superstar teammate." Miller said it was important to have strong team bonds and was thankful for the team doing its best and its support.

-Sadie Seney was strong blocking, Brenner said, with 52 this season. "You 'yammerdit' this year."

Five juniors will step up next year and played big roles this season. Mackena culley, Teagen Larsen, Kaylene Slack, Megan Forney and Claudia Benavides all received praise from Brenner

Farley and Seney were lauded for serving as team captains, with Seney being named Most Valuable Player and Farley named the team's Most Inspirational selection.

The Most Valuable Player was Kirsten Miller and recipient of the Coach's Choice was Mackena Culley.

Football Head Coach Troy Larsen thanked the coaching staff's wives and families, school administrators, athletic director and principals for "believing in our student athletes." Transportation was "excellent and it showed, though not in the win-loss record," he quipped.

He thanked volunteers for team dinners, noting that it was tough to keep the players focused on practice each Thursday, but the "team bonding was invaluable.

"The brotherhood is very special, Larsen said. "These kids came together. The kids showed up and worked so hard. These kids have big plans. The future is bright with these kids."

Although the season was a winless 0-9, Larsen said "it truly was a great year." He got accolades at the coaches' meeting, all remarking about the team's improvement over the season. As the season wound down, Tri-Cities Prep came to DW and were stunned by the game they got, expecting to roll over DW but fighting every minute for a 27-15 win. "This team was getting better every week," he said.

"We didn't win a state title-we were 0-9-but we had great memories because we got so much better. The future is bright."

The team started the season with a full roster, Larsen said, and despite the 0-9 record, ended with 37 players turning out. "It shows things are good," he said.

Larsen implemented the "bull and ring" exercise, pitting two players head-to-head, and the team rose to the challenge. "This team's going to go a long way in life," Larsen said.

DW placed two players on Second Team All-Conference, linebacker Seamus House and lineman Tayven Seney. House led the team in tackles per game, and every coach knew Seney and double-teamed him every game, and he still dominated, Larsen said.

Scout Player of the Year was Benny Bryan, a freshman.

-Chronicle photo by Gary Sams

DW Valley Football's awards went to these stalwart members of the team. From left: Benny Bryan-Scout Team Player of the Year, Seamus House-Valley Co-Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, Shawn Evans-co-Special Teams Player of the Year, Tayven Seney-Valley Co-Player of the Year and Lineman of the Year, Colton VanBlaricom-co-Special Teams Player of the Year, and Monte Pettichord-Offensive Player of the Year.

Special Teams Player of the Year was shared by Shawn Evans and Colton VanBlaricom. VanBlaricom averaged 15 yards per kick return and Evans was the third best punter in the league at 37½ yards per punt.

Defensive Player of the Year and Co-Valley Football Player of the Year was Seamus House.

Lineman of the Year and Co-Valley Football Player of the Year was Tayven Seney.

Offensive Player of the Year was freshman quarterback Monte Pettichord. He stepped in late in the season, Larsen said, and in three games, threw for over 600 yards.

Certificate recipients were Levi Boudrieau, Isaac Conover, Benny Bryan, Norbert Cush, Zach Durham, Jacob Holmberg, Justin Jaech, Joe Patterson, Christian Paxton, Rodrigo Arroyo, Keon Lindley, Robbie Patterson, Nathan Ramsey,

Letter recipients: Dan Magill-Katsell, Monte Pettichord, Hudson Reser.

Pin recipients: Theo Anderson, Dylan Bledsoe, Chris Fulbright, Damian Johnson, Garrett Korslund, Adam Puckett, Drake Campbell, Shawn Evans, Mason Finney, Wyatt Mathews, Kyler Slack, Colton VanBlaricom, Logan Baker, Tim Daves, Seamus House, Cason Nichols, Andrew Reeves, Christian Watson-Solis, Brad Sandau, Tayven Seney.

Scholar-athletes: Adam Puckett, Brad Sandau.