AHS honors athletes
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Andalusia High School held its 24th annual spring sports banquet Monday evening at the Bulldog Bistro.
The softball, baseball, tennis and golf programs were recognized, and special awards were given to athletes that excelled in their respective sport.
Before the special awards were given out, all coaches thanked the school administration, the board of education, the parents, AHS Booster Club and the volunteers that helped throughout the season.
Softball
The Andalusia Lady Bulldogs softball teams were presented with letterman awards at the banquet.
The junior varsity team finished the 2010 season with a 10-10 record, while the varsity team ended its season at the Class 4A South Regional Softball Tournament in Gulf Shores.
The varsity team ended its season, losing to St. James 5-0 in the third round of the elimination bracket Saturday. Their final season record was 26-15.
“The girls had a real good year,” head softball coach Marcus Taylor said. “These girls were resilient, and would not quit.
“Everyone of these girls have character,” he said. “I truly believe these are the best girls Andalusia High School has to offer.”
The following were given special awards Monday evening, along with the category each excelled in: Paige Caraway, offensive MVP; A.C. Riley (infield), Jessica Park (outfield), defensive MVPs; Emily Terry (shortstop), newcomer award; Caraway, team captain; Sam Greene, Bulldog award; and senior Kristen Finley received the academic award and senior award.
Baseball
Andalusia baseball coach Jonathan Rasberry recognized all players on the varsity and junior varsity teams, giving them certificates.
“I had the privilege to work with another great group of guys,” Rasberry said. “I appreciate them giving the effort they gave.”
The following were given special awards, along with the category each excelled in: three-sport athletic award, Ricky Jenkins; Dilan Manring, offensive MVP; Nate Mack, defensive MVP; Shane Culbreth and Lee Enzor, Bulldog award; Aaron Norris, team captain; Mack, academic award; and Will Hart, Norris, Mack, Joseph Hayden, Marcus Ingram, Enzor, Brandon Bedsole, Jenkins, Culbreth and Justin Jernigan received senior awards.
Diamond Dolls
The AHS Diamond Dolls were recognized at the banquet, and each member received a pink rose from the baseball team for all of their efforts in supporting the program this season.
Tennis
Varsity boys
The Bulldogs finished the season 10-3, and in fifth place at the Class 4A state tournament in Montgomery last week.
Andalusia finished second at the sectional tournament, which gave it the state tournament berth.
AHS tennis coach Perry Dillard recognized each player and gave them letterman awards.
The following were given special awards, along with the category each excelled in: Jonathan Wiggins, rookie of the year award; Chris Smith, Bulldog award; Mayur Patel, MVP; Jake Ricardy and Mitchell Clark, team captains; Clark, academic award; and Ricardy and Clark received senior awards.
“(Ricardy and Clark) are two of the finest young men Andalusia has produced,” Dillard said.
Varsity girls
Girls tennis coach Daniel Bulger congratulated the team for having an “improving” season, and for their stint at the state tournament.
“It really surprised me how much better these girls got,” he said.
Each player was recognized and given letterman awards.
The following were given special awards, along with the category each excelled in: Lauren Beasley, Bulldog award; Meredith Tillman, most improved award; Aubrey Boyington, MVP; Boyington and Tally Morrow, team captains; and Maggie Jones, academic award.
Golf
AHS golf coach Marshall Locke thanked all those that supported the team throughout the season, and the players for their dedication to the game.
“They did what they were asked to do,” he said.
The golf team finished the season 6-2, and fourth at the Class 4A sub-state tournament.
The following were given special awards, along with the category each excelled in: Hunter Dendy, newcomer of the year award; Stinson Thompson and Grayson Gantt, most improved player award; Jamie Doulin, shot of the year (made a hole in one at Elba tournament); Josh Atkinson, medalist and No. 1 player of the year award; John Starr, team captain; and Atkinson, academic award.
All coaches received a gift from their players at the end of their sports awards portion of the banquet.