Clarion Area Volleyball Boosters Host Annual Banquet (12/09/16)

The Clarion Area Volleyball Boosters hosted the annual Team Banquet on Sunday, December 4th, at the Park Inn By Radisson.

some of those attending this year's banquet

Some of those attending this year’s banquet

Booster President, Bridget Thornton opened the festivities welcoming those in attendance, and thanking Stephanie Kalinowski for her hard work in setting up the banquet. Then seniors Olivia Burns and Gloria Kroh gave the invocation and blessing for the meal.

After the meal, Coach Shari Campbell thanked various individuals for their support and help with the program. Among them were Clarion Area superintendent Michael Stahlman, athletic director Nancy Mills, Angie Magagnotti (for her help with the weight program), assistants Tracy Durish and  Kierstan Kiser and members of the Boosters.

Coach Campbell mentioned the three tournaments the team holds as fundraisers and the various things the proceeds provide. She then mentioned some of the team’s accomplishments, including the fact that the team faced sixty opponents throughout the year and were victorious against all but five and the fact that the team won the KSAC Championship.

She mentioned that the girls had been together five or six days a week, since June.

Coach Campbell mentioned three things that should be taken from the season: Parents should see the successes along the way by the kids; the seniors should realize that the friendships developed over the years will be some of the best of their lifetimes; returnees should use unmet goals to make them hungry. Coach Campbell said she hopes she taught them to believe in themselves.

Lady Cat All-Staters, Gloria Kroh (Left) and Olivia Burns (Right) with proud Coach Shari Campbell

Lady Cat All-Staters, Gloria Kroh (Left) and Olivia Burns (Right) with proud Coach Shari Campbell

Clarion’s two All-Stater players Olivia Burns and Gloria Kroh were introduced. Both were also All-KSAC and All-District Nine.

Then the Varsity players were introduced by Coach Campbell.

After the varsity players were introduced, Junior Varsity Coach Tracy Durish introduced the JVs. She mentioned that the JVs were undefeated in the KSAC and said that she was proud of the growth in the freshmen and the leadership of the sophomores.

Bridget Thornton and Deanna Sintobin handed out the player gifts and Bridget gave recognition to the coaches, Booster Club and parents.

Varsity Captains Gloria Kroh, Olivia Burns and Maya Thornton presented a gift to Coach Campbell. In a touching moment Gloria mentioned that Coach Campbell was like a “second mother” to her. The two shared a long embrace.

The JV Captains then presented gifts to Coach Durish.

The "Grand Matriarch" of the Campbell family and Clarion Area Volleyball Martha Campbell and granddaughter Haylee

The “Grand Matriarch” of the Campbell family and Clarion Area Volleyball Martha Campbell and granddaughter Haylee

Bridget then gave closing remarks and thanked a number of people. In addition to those already mentioned above, ome of the others mentioned were: Ryan Wiser “The Greatest Fan,” Martha Campbell, who has been a major contributor over the years, Brenna Campbell and Ava Kiser team managers.

(Great to all those involved in making this year’s banquet a success. GREAT JOB, LADY CATS!!!!)