Bobcat Football Team Has Annual Banquet (11/23/17)

The Clarion Area Bobcat Football Team and Booster Club had their annual Banquet on Sunday, November 19th, at American Legion Post #066, on Main Street.

Some of the crowd

The event, hosted by the Football Boosters, featured recognition of players, coaches and support staff, school administration, boosters and those involved in helping the program from throughout the community.

Booster president Christine Hearst opened the program, welcoming those in attendance and after leading the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance, she introduced David Hartley who prayed the invocation over the program and meal.

After the meal, Hearst congratulated the seniors on their fine careers and pointed out that their jerseys, which were on display, didn’t have their names on them, because the undefeated Bobcats’ season isn’t over yet. The names will be permanently attached and presented to the seniors after the season is completed. Hearst then gave a season overview and along with Tracy Rapp, presented District Nine Class AA Championship long sleeve tee shirts to the coaches, and support staff.

Bobcat seniors and some of the coaches

Coach Larry Wiser, Superintendent Michael Stahlman and Athletic Director Nancy Mills handed out certificates to the Bobcat players who were named All-KSAC. Then the co-captains thanked a number of individuals and businesses for their support of the team.

Yours truly was given the honor of sharing information about various team and individual milestones that were reached this season and some random thoughts on this fine team.

Players who lettered were presented with their letters and pins, followed by the presentation of Team Awards.

Mrs. McMaster, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rapp part of a great crew, who made the banquet a success

Coach Scott Miller presented the Brad Leonard Outstanding Junior Award to Logan Minich and the Special Teams MVP Award to co-recipients Archer Mills and Sterling Conner. Coaches Nate McClaine and Shane McKillop presented the Offensive MVP Award to co-recipients Colton Rapp and Logan Minich and the Alex Arth “Hogmeister” Outstanding Lineman Award to Zak Bauer.

Coach Lee Weber presented the Jerry “Joe” Staley Memorial Outstanding Senior Award to Colton Rapp and the Defensive MVP Award to Zak Bauer. Coach Tim Amoroso presented the Gary Ross Lawrence Outstanding Sophomore Award to Colton Zacherl.

Team Award winners

Coach Wiser gave a shout out to the undefeated Junior Varsity Team and then gave out the Blaine Breniman Courage Award to Ryley McMaster and the Coaches Award to Spencer Miller. Coach Wiser then announced Clarion’s National Football Foundation representative  Nick Cherico.

Coach Wiser then had some closing statements. He mentioned that a key to a successful team is a four letter word “Team.” He singled out several players who could have played at a position where they would have maybe received more recognition, but that switched to the line for the betterment of the team. He mentioned giving up individual goals to be a winning team.

All-KSAC players

Coach Wiser then mentioned the fact that the team practices at game speed to be more prepared for games. He mentioned the need to do the extra things and that each day, which is are new chapters on the journey and the need to work harder – and spending quality time in preparation.

Team photographer Gary Wiant mentioned that on the sidelines he constantly sees Clarion assistant coaches instructing players and getting feedback from players as to what they see taking place in the game, making some adjustments on player input. He mentioned other teams not doing that, and asked where are they “next Saturday?,” (when we’ll be playing).

Some of the senior jerseys

After that came the drawing for door prizes and the traditional gag gifts presented by the co-captains to the coaches.

Chris Hearst concluded with some statements: asking those in attendance to patronize the team sponsors; mentioning the success of various fundraisers; thanking Millissa Bauer for doing the game programs; Laura Burford for the 50/50 drawings; and thanking the other Booster officers, David Hartley, Tracy Rapp and Michelle Adams and then asking for others to consider filling positions that will be vacated after this school year.

Senior photo displays

As usual, this year’s banquet was an outstanding event.

(Great job to all involved with this year’s banquet!!!!)