Morning Star Staff
The revived Seaton Sonics honoured their finest football players at an awards banquet Saturday night at the Community Baptist Church.
Emcee and organizer Marcy Kennedy opened the event by introducing sport and life coach and former Medicine Hat Tigers goaltender JC Colvin.
Head coach Ron Kirschner, who helped bring back junior football to Seaton after almost a decade without a program, said Colvin “delivered a riveting message concerning focus, vision and what it takes to go from good to great in sports and in life.”
Next came the presentation of charm bracelets to the Cheer Squad by their coach, Misty Daniels, who had taken this facet of the program from zero to nine participants.
After an incredible meal, Bill Tarr shared some of his experiences as a player, coach and advocate for the Greater Vernon Athletics Park.
Kirschner, defensive coach Lee Elliott and line coach Shayne Presly then presented the awards. The recipients were:
Landon Colvin: Super Sonic Award, given to the top academic, athletic and community-minded player.
Shai Baker: MVP Award, given to the player who contributed most to the team’s success.
Christopher Haber: Coach’s Award, given to the player that demonstrated dedication and a super work ethic.
Top Offensive Player: Thomas Mackiewich.
Top Defensive Player: Miles Forrest.
Top Rookie: Liam Funk.
Top Grade 8: Lynden Rivers.
Top Linemen: Taylor Pelletier.
“Our program was a success this year due to the incredible help that we enjoyed from all of the parents, our sponsors, volunteer teachers and the community as a whole,” said Kirschner. “We could not do it without you.”
Meanwhile, Zach Hyer, Levi Nicholas and Ben Hladik of the VSS Panthers received B.C. Subway Bowl Varsity Football awards Tuesday night at the Vancouver Cultural Centre.
Nicholas made the provincial AA offence all-star team as a wide receiver. Hyer, at defensive back, and Hladik, on the defensive line, were chosen to the defensive team.
The trio led the Panthers to the B.C. quarterfinals at B.C. Place, where they lost 28-27 to Langley Saints.
