Central Clarion Wildcats Boosters Host Team Banquet

The Central Clarion Wildcats Boosters hosted the 2021 team banquet on Sunday, December 12th, at Zion Baptist Church.

Booster President Cory Rex welcomed those gathered and then thanked several people, including Booster officers Mike Smith, Wendy Ferguson and Wendy Naser; Sue Songer who coordinated the banquet, team photographer Nate Girvan; and Cory’s wife Dana.

Then Coach Cameron Kirkland thanked Zion Baptist Church and the Caterers, Mauthe’s Country Corner. Coach Kirkland gave Thanks. Then came the meal.

Then Head Coach Dave Eggleton thanked the Boosters, Administrations, School Boards and Athletic Directors of the three schools, Clarion Area, North Clarion and Clarion-Limestone; the parents; and Steve Smail and me for covering the team.

Next Junior High Head Coach Jared Sullenberger introduced his coaching staff: Coaches Mike Hindman, Randy Cathcart, Jess Quinn and Ben Smith. Coach Sullenberger then announced the Junior High award winners. (The winners are listed at the bottom of the article.)

Then, Coach Eggleton introduced his Coaching Staff: Mike Ferguson, Cameron Kirkland, Doug Knepp, Dave Louder and Kevin “Fonz” Slike.

Coach Kirkland mentioned the Letter Winners.

Coach Eggleton praised his team for the way they responded to the slow start to the season by coming back strong in the second half.

The Wildcats who made the District Nine League – Large School Division All-Conference players were introduced and presented with their certificates. They include: Kaoz Baker, who was selected on the Defensive Line, while also garnering the Co-Defensive Lineman of the Year Award; Ashton Rex at Cornerback; Ryan Hummell at Linebacker; Cole Wrhen on the Offensive Line; and Jase Ferguson who was named Honorable Mention at Quarterback.

After the All-Conference players were announced, Coach Eggleton shared about a new weight room award: the Big Cat Club. To earn the award, lifters must total 1,000 pounds total in the three powerlifts (squat, bench press and deadlift). Two Wildcats have achieved the total so far, Breckin Rex and Noah Naser.

Next the Varsity Team Awards were presented by the coaches. Coach Louder presented the Jerry “Joe” Staley Memorial – Outstanding Senior Award to Christian Simko. Coach Ferguson presented the Brad Leonard – Outstanding Junior Award to Ryan Hummell. Next was the Gary Ross Lawrence – Outstanding Sophomore Award, presented by Coach Kirkland, going to Co-winners Brady Quinn and Colman Slater.

Special Teams MVP, presented by Coach Knepp, went to Charley Franchino. Then Coach Louder presented the Defensive MVP Award to Co-winners Koaz Baker and Ryan Hummell.

Coach Knepp then presented the Alex Arth “Hogmeister” – Outstanding Lineman Award, after sharing some great words on Coach Arth, who passed away earlier this year. The award went to Cole Wrhen.

Coach Eggleton then presented the Larry Wiser Leadership Award, mentioning how it was fitting to keep doing the award after Coach Wiser’s retirement and some comments about Coach Wiser’s impact on the players and coaches. The award went to Colton Bradley.

The Senior players presented gifts to their parents. Coach Eggleton mentioned the Horse Race fundraiser coming up.

Then Coach Louder, who puts together the Wildcats highlight video and Maxpreps videos, gave a shout-out to Eric Harrison for his fine work filming for the team.

The Senior players gave gifts to the coaches. And then Cory Rex closed the festivities, thanking everyone for coming out.

Great Banquet, Wildcats!!! Congratulations to all involved!!!!

(Thanks to Cory Rex for the image.)