Bobcat Football Team Has 2015 Awards Banquet (11/28/15)

The Clarion Area Bobcat Football Team had their 2015 Awards Banquet on Sunday (November 22nd), at the Clarion American Legion Post Banquet Room. The event was sponsored by the Football Boosters, with the meal being catered by Daddy’s Main Street.

Player and coaches tables

Player and coaches tables

Booster President Ken Nellis welcomed everyone and Vice President Dave Hartley gave the invocation and blessing.

After the meal, Nellis gave a recap of the season and thanked Laura Burford, Traci Rapp and Tracy Kriebel for their work in coordinating the festivities. He also recognized the other Booster Club officers: Hartley – Vice President, Bonita Bailey – Treasurer and Kenn Staub – Secretary. He also mentioned that the players from North Clarion are really becoming an integral part of the team, making  big contributions. Gifts were handed out to various contributors.

Bobcat Head Coach Larry Wiser then introduced the Team Captains, Seniors Will Staub, Zack Huett, Adrian Weber, Caleb Bailey, Luke Nellis, Brendan Miller and Alexander Burkhart who gave thanks to various school personnel and member of the community and media for their contributions this season. Coach Wiser also thanked Cheerleading Advisor Lisa Rapp.

2015 Bobcats, Booster Club President Ken Nellis seated at right

2015 Bobcats, Booster Club President Ken Nellis seated at right

The Captains then helped in the handing out of the Letters and Pins to the players who earned them.

Then the Bobcats who made the All-KSAC Small School Team were introduced: Alexander Burkhart, Colton Rapp and Brendan Miller.

The Coaches then presented the various team awards:

Offensive coordinator Don Skunda presented Colton Rapp with the Offensive MVP Award. Running backs and defensive ends coach Lee Weber presented the Defensive MVP Award, which was shared by Brendan Miller and Colton Rapp.

Senior players giving coach Miller his gifts

Senior players giving coach Miller his gifts

Receivers defensive backs and special teams coach Scott Miller presented the Special Teams MVP Award to son Spencer Miller. Offensive and defensive line coach Ray Burkhart presented the Jerry “Joe” Staley Senior of the Year Award to son Alexander Burkhart. Offensive and defensive line coach Nate McClaine presented Alexander Burkhart with the Alex Arth “Hogmeister”- Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award.

Coach Wiser presented the Brad Leonard – Outstanding Junior Award to both Josh Kriebel and Kyle Patterson and the Gary Ross Lawrence – Outstanding Sophomore Award to Nick Cherico.

Next Coach Wiser, with assistance from Kevin “Fonzie” Slike, both decked out in North Pole attire, handed out “gag” gifts to coaches, some players and other individuals. This proved to be a big crowd favorite.

Coach Wiser and the Fonz with gifts from Santa

Coach Wiser and the Fonz with gifts from Santa

Coach Wiser shared words of wisdom for his players quoting legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi: “To be average, do what average people do; to be great, do what great people do.”Coach Wiser told the players, in preparation and life, “do what other people don’t.”

He also shared about former Colts coach Tony Dungy and said that something he takes from him is to “Stand up and be courageous. Stand up for a friend, for your sister… Stand up for your community” etc. Some very good words from coaches Wiser, Lombardi and Dungy.

The seniors then presented the coaches with their “gag” gifts, followed by Nellis giving closing remarks.

Cindy Nellis, Milissa Bauer and Laura Miller

Cindy Nellis, Milissa Bauer and Laura Miller

He made special mention of three of the mothers who had major contributions to the Boosters and Team this year: Laura Miller (Autumn Leaf Parking coordinator), Cindy Nellis (for coordinating the Thursday Night Feed) and Milissa Bauer (Game Program coordinator).

The evening ended with the senior parents presenting their son with his game jersey and a photo plaque – with action photos, of the player, by either of the team photographers Bri Nellis Photography or Vinyl Graphics. Vinyl Graphics produced the final product.

Senior photo plaques and game jerseys

Senior photo plaques and game jerseys

(Congratulations to the team [players and coaches] parents and contributors on another fine season!!!!)