Bobcat Boys Basketball Boosters Host Team Banquet (03/14/18)

The 2017-18 Clarion Area Boys Basketball Team was honored with the end of the season Banquet, hosted by the Booster Club, on Wednesday, March 14th at the social hall at Trinity Point Church of God.

(Left to Right) Coach B. J. Whren, seniors – Cameron Craig, Zak Bauer, Spencer Miller, Jacob Selker, Austin Hummell, Coach Jess Quinn

Booster President, Brian Burford presided over the festivities. Burford thanked various persons involved with the program. Some of those included: Brian’s wife Laura, Jason Craig (who coordinated the Elementary Tournament) and Booster Officers, Joel German – Vice President, Christie Rhoades – Secretary and Tracy Craig – Treasurer.

Burford gave a brief history of the game of basketball, then pronounced the blessing over the meal. Those gathered enjoyed a feast provided by Sweet Basil and cupcakes by Melinda Myers.

Following the meal, the coaches introduced their charges, giving nice comments about each player. Coach B. J. Whren introduced the Junior Varsity Team.

Then Varsity Coach Jess Quinn introduced the Varsity lettermen. Those earning letters this past season were: freshman – Cal German; sophomores – Josh Craig, Skylar Rhoades and Nick Frederick; juniors – Drew Whren, Jake Burns, Gavin Brinkley and Archer Mills; seniors – Jacob Selker, Zak Bauer, Spencer Miller, Austin Hummell and Cameron Craig.

(Left to Right) Coach Tom Lewis, Coach B. J. Whren, Cameron Craig (First Team All-KSAC) Austin Hummell (Second Team All-KSAC) Coach Cameron Kirkland, Coach Jess Quinn

Cameron Craig and Hummell were presented with their framed All-KSAC certificates. Craig was named to the First Team and Hummell was named to the Second Team.

Coach Quinn has coached this year’s seniors from eighth grade through varsity. He mentioned that they made him a better person, that he is a better person for having known them. He mentioned that his assistant coaches, B. J. Whren, Cameron Kirkland and Tom Lewis were responsible for giving the players “quality minutes.”

He mentioned that longtime Clarion State College (Clarion University) coaches Al Jacks (football) and Bob Bubb (wrestling) gave him great advice many years ago, “Surround yourself with quality people.” He mentioned another mentor of his, and current assistant Lewis, saying that “with over thirty years of coaching experience”, he’d (Coach Quinn) “would be a fool not to ask him.”

Coach Lewis thanked the parents and players and encouraged the underclassmen to work hard through the summer, honing their skills.

The senior players then presented the coaches with gifts.

Coach Quinn again expressed his love for the outgoing seniors, giving each a heartfelt embrace.

Several in attendance who were recognized for support of the program were Superintendent Mike Stahlman, Principal John Kimmell and Athletic Director Nancy Mills.

Burford gave some closing comments, before everyone shared pleasantries and some photos.

(Great job to the Boosters and Coaches for the fine event. Congratulations to the team on a fine season and best wishes to the seniors!!!!)