Bobcat Football Team And Booster Club Hold Annual Team Banquet (11/24/18)
(By Kim Cherico and Clancy Porciello)
(Photo by Kim Cherico) Bobcat seniors
The Clarion Bobcat Football Team and Football Booster Club had their annual Banquet on Sunday, November 18th, at Trinity Point Community Church of God Reception Hall where they welcomed our Varsity, JV and Junior High players and families. Booster president Dave Hartley opened the program, with the following: “It has been a pleasure to work so closely with our Bobcat Football teams. As young men, your displays of appreciation and character were evident in each and every contact we had with you. As athletes, you played with heart and determination, you came together as a team and treated each other with mutual respect.”
(Photo submitted) 2018 Bobcat Football Captains: Camden Boggess, Logan Minich, Nick Porciello, Sam Minich and Archer Mills
Mr. Hartley offered the invocation over the program and meal that was provided by Sweet Basil.
Following the served meal, Junior High Coach Dan Alderton welcomed the huge crowd of Junior High parents and players. He spoke of the incredible season, including a few game highlights and the wonderful opportunity through the co-op with neighboring Clarion-Limestone families. A season that was not as much about wining as it was coming together, getting to know each other and playing as one unit on the football field.
A video highlight served as the transition into the varsity presentation. The game footage was provided by two local team photographers, Gary Wiant and Bri Nellis. In between the Junior High and Varsity presentations, Mr. Hartley had a few game challenge questions for the audience and winners received a tee-shirt for the right answer.
(Photo by Kim Cherico) Coach Wiser doing “Floss Dance”
Coach Larry Wiser and Athletic Director Nancy Mills awarded certificates to the three Bobcat players whom were the first ever Bobcats to be named to the District Nine League Large School All-Stars; Archer Mills, Sam Minich and Nick Porciello, each received two designations on the list. Archer Mills and Nick Porciello had the privilege of being named last year in the final year of the KSAC All-Star recognition for Clarion Bobcat Football.
Booster President Dave Hartley and the football co-captains, Camden Boggess, Logan Minich, Sam Minich, Nick Porciello and Archer Mills, thanked a number of individuals and businesses for their support of the team. Sam Minich offered this statement, “We are exceedingly grateful for the support we received this year. We would like to thank all of our 2018 local community business sponsors and our Bobcat Alumni who have such a caring and giving heart. Thank you for graciously donating funding to this year’s Bobcat Football program. Without their financial support, our football programs would not be able to maintain our high standard.”
(Photo by Kim Cherico) Seniors presenting coaches’ gifts
Players who lettered were presented with their letters and pins, followed by the presentation of Player Awards. Coach Wiser had a special thank you to Cindy Nellis, our new team statistician. Our players appreciated her valuable time helping each player with their individual stats. Coaches Wiser, Weber, Tack, Kirkland, and volunteer assistants Selker and Nellis presented the following awards to:
Jerry “Joe Staley Memorial Outstanding Senior Award: Nick Porciello
Brad S. Leonard Outstanding Junior Award: Colton Zacherl
Garry Ross Lawrence Outstanding Sophomore Award: Cal German
Alex Arth “Hogmeister” Outstanding Lineman Award: Nick Porciello
MVP Offence: Sam Minich
MVP Defense: Camden Boggess
MVP Special Teams: Archer Miller
Blaine Breniman Courage Award: Nick Porciello
To keep engagement for our families, the Boosters offered several silent auction baskets from the University of Pitt, University of Arizona, Penn State and a Bobcat Fan basket, at which time, the winning bidders received their selected item. The traditional gag gifts presented by Coach Larry to the individual players rounded out the awards presentation.
(Photo by Kim Cherico)
Large gathering at Banquet watching highlight video
Dave Hartley concluded with some statements with the following: “Parents, you generously supported our Football Booster Club. You gave your time graciously and never refused, when asked, to provide food, dessert, drinks for our many team feeds. Most importantly you were present with your cheers, financial support and inspirational support for our team. We Are Bobcat Football. To our coaching staff and your families a huge thank you.” Dr, Hartley then asked those in attendance to patronize all the local team business sponsors in our community and thank them for their support.
(Note: Mrs. Porciello and Mrs. Cherico shared with CSZ a summation of what they have concentrated on as far as an emphasis on Bobcat Football at all levels (Junior High, Junior Varsity and Varsity): “We have spent the year working on the concept of ‘We are Bobcat Football’ regardless of the team you son plays on. As such, a Bobcat Football player has a tradition to uphold both on and off the field.
(Photo by Kim Cherico) Photo boards and were special gifts for seniors
(Thanks to Clancy Porciello and Kim Cherico for this fine article and the photos!!!! Congratulations Bobcat players, coaches, parents, boosters and fans!!!!)