By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle High School's football players, cheerleaders, swimmers and volleyball players were honored at a Fall Sports Banquet conducted in the school cafeteria Monday night.
The event was sponsored by the Hartselle Athletic Booster Club and included a catered meal by Whitt's Barbecue.
Varsity football players were introduced by head coach Bob Godsey. Each player received a certificate of appreciation. Seniors also received lettered and numbered sweaters. Assistant coaches Larry Peck, Chad Gladden, Keith Corder, Keith Morris, Tim Miller, Jeff Hayes and Gary Orr assisted him in presenting individual awards.
Seniors receiving individual awards were Travis Lightle, Most Outstanding Lineman; Daniel Crowe, Iron Man Award; Seth Watson, Most Outstanding Offensive Player; Michael Scott, Most Outstanding Defensive Player; Patrick Whatley, Scholastic Achievement Award; Chris Wiley and J.D. Glen, Team Captain Award; and Justin Youngblood, Most Valuable Player.
Keith Rigoni was honored as recipient of the Richard Grammer Memorial Award. In presenting the award, Steve Wiley, president of the Athletic Booster Club, commended Rigoni for his longtime dedication and support of Hartselle High School athletics.
Varsity football cheerleaders were introduced by their sponsor, Martha Dunlap. Each cheerleader received a certificate of achievement and a bobble head cheerleader doll. They also received long-stemmed roses from senior football players. Individual awards were presented to Lizzie Hendrix, Academic Award and Leadership Award; Bree Munger, Spirit Award; Brittany Segars, Academic Award; and Lisa Speake, Academic Award.
Members of the girl's volleyball team received certificates of achievement from head coach Tanya Lybarger and assistant coach Jeff Hanners. Several players also were singled out as recipients of individual awards. They were Kayla Orr, Most Aces; Jill Weatherford, Best Serve Percentage; Most Assists, Most Kills, Scholastic Award, Team Captain and Most Valuable Player, Sarah Whitlow; Most Improve Player, Mary Virginia Reeves; Most Digs, Lauren Drake; Most Blocks and Team Captain, Sarah McNutt; and Most Hustle, Jenna Weatherford.
Regina Hudson, swim team sponsor, introduced members of the swim team and presented each with a certificate of achievement.
Coach Bob Godsey described the 2004 football season as an interesting and rewarding one. "We had youth everywhere. As a staff, I feel we did a good job of getting people in the right positions. This team achieved more than what was expected," he pointed out.
"When I came here I was told I could expect some rough times in the second year. If that's the case, I'm looking forward to the future," Godsey said. "It was a fun year with lots of excitement along the way."
"What we were able to accomplish was the result of hard work and super senior leadership," he said. "Our young guys stepped up and followed their leads. There was no finger pointing. They believed in each other; they gave up self for the good of the team; they always found a way to have fun."
He added, "The seniors are special in my mind. If anyone ever gave up self for the benefit of the team, it was this group. Their 26-11 record if the fifth best in school history. They're good athletes and great people. It was a blast to be a part of them for two years.
"They have left a strong mark on the program. They have set a standard for underclassmen to follow and try to beat."
Godsey thanked the administration, parents, boosters and assistant coaches their strong support.
"This is what makes Hartselle special," he pointed out. "It makes me humble and proud to be here."