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Athletes honored at annual Gurdon Sports Banquet

BY AUTUMN PENNINGTON
Published Wednesday, May 22, 2002 in the Gurdon Times

Coach John Pace acted as Master of Ceremonies during the Gurdon Go-Devil All Sports Banquet held Thursday, May 16, 2002.

Pace welcomed everyone to the banquet and gave the opening prayer before the meal was served.

Pace then recapped on the 2001 football season. He said, "I have been here for the past 12 years. In the past five years we have had some of our best teams yet.

"This year we had a lot of young starters, but it was a good season. It wasn't exactly the season I thought we would have, but these kids are good kids and they played hard despite their injuries. Uthel "Poppy" Gatlin, was out with knee surgery, but returned to the team. O'Brian Moss was put out at the beginning of the season due to a broken ankle he received at Lakeside. We did make it to the playoffs and played hard against Hampton, however one team always has to lose."

Pace then awarded All District plaques to K.P. Meeks and Eddie Fort.

Members of the team receiving certificates for participation were: Justin Bell, Brandon Bradshaw, Eddie Fort, Josh Frisby, Uthel Gatlin, Walter Hart, Tirrell Hatley, Marcell Johnson, Cevin Laster, Jesse McClure, Eric McCuistion, Kelvin McPeak, K.P. Meeks, James Moseley, O'Brian Moss, Barry Nolan, J.J. Plyler, Jake Plyler, Brandon Sanders, Michael Testa, Josh Uchtman, John Watson, Corey Welch, Chris Williams and Davion Williams.

Cool Mix 106.9 gave the offensive and defensive player awards.

Gary Plyler did the honors of presenting Walter Hart with the defensive award and Eddie Fort with the offensive award.

Coach John Ware then presented the 2001-2002 boys basketball team with their honors.

Ware said, "Other than not winning state, it was a good season. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching this group of guys. I could tell stories all night long about some of the things that have happened to them this year. However, I can say we have learned to take the bitter with the sweet this as the year has went on."

This year's offensive player of the year was presented to Eddie Fort and defensive to Rufus Hatley, who was also named to the All State Tournament Team.

Other members of the team receiving participation awards were: Brian Allen, DeShawn Allen, Marcell Anderson, Cameron Dickerson, Eddie Fort, Norris Glenn, Brian Green, Walter Hart, Rufus Hatley, Kentrell House, Dorsey Kelley, Cevin Laster, Stanley McClellan, Anthony McPeak, Kelvin McPeak and Scott Rogers.

Gurdon Go-Devil Girls Baskeball Coach, Brandy Kirkpatrick, expressed her slight disappointment in the girls season.

However, Coach K said the girls worked hard and came in fifth at conference.

"I am proud of them, they have worked hard. Sonia Beasley was All Region this year. She has worked hard with her team."

Defensive player of the year was Lavonda Buford and offensive player was Sonia Beasley. Coach Kirkpatrick gave the Hustle Award to Tamerea Henry and the Go-Devil Award to Lyndi Escalante for her team support.

Those receiving participation certificates were: Sonia Beasley, Sharonda Bell, LaVonda Buford, Lyndi Escalante, Jessica Giles, Tamerea Henry, Ashley Hulan and Tonya Russey.

Coach Kirkpatrick also thanked Gurdon High School Principal, Leonard Gills, for putting in all of his hours at school and still making it to all the basketball games to support them.

Coach Pace bragged on Gurdon's new track in which they held several meets on this year.

The boys senior high track team finished second at the conference meet that was held at Gurdon. Stamps was the main winner of the event.

Pace awarded Cameron Dickerson with this year's Outstanding Performance Award in track.

Participants receiving certificates were: Cameron Dickerson, Eddie Fort, Derrick Gosney, Cevin Laster, Jake Plyler, Kelvin McPeak, K.P. Meeks, Barry Nolan, Scott Rogers, Brandon Sanders, John Watson and Davion Williams.

"I have enjoyed this year and met lots of nice people and kids that I am going to miss," said Coach Benny Hargrove, who is leaving at the end of the year.

"I have a problem with becoming attached to the kids I teach. I have done that here at Gurdon and I have really become attached with my baseball team. We had a good season which opened well with us beating the state champs, although they did have five main guys out that day, it still gave us the satisfaction of saying we beat them."

Hargrove presented the outstanding offense award to Keith Reed and outstanding defense to Daniel McElhannon. Hunter Johnson received the most improved player award and Jake Plyler received the Go-Devil award for his attitude and perseverance during the season.

Others receiving participation certificates in baseball were: Brandon Bradshaw, Blake Deaton, Uthel Gatlin, Heath Griffin, Hunter Johnson, Daneil McElhannon, Matt McElhannon, Kelvin McPeak, Barry Nolan, J.J. Plyler, Jake PLyler, Derek Puckett and Keith Reed.

Coach Tammy Alexander was unable to make the banquet. However, Coach Pace presented the girls softball awards for her.

Most improved player was Toccara Laster. Best defensive player was Haley Griffin and offensive was Jordan Purifoy. Christina Taylor received this year's Go-Devil award for attitude and spirit.

Special recognition was given to Linda Hulan for all of her efforts keeping score and supporting the team.

Members of the girls softball team were: Markita Box, Haley Griffin, Ashley Hulan, Kim Hulan, Toccara Laster, April Morgan, Bridget McCuistion, Jordan Purifoy, Christina Taylor, Kayla Wells and Lezlee White.

Cheerleading sponsor, Dawn Higgs, expounded on the wonderful year she had with the Senior High girls.

Higgs stated that unlike awards presented by the other coaches her awards were voted on by the cheerleaders themselves. Andi Finley was voted best tumbler. Rayanne Ross was voted best motions. Claya Calley was awarded the 110 percent award. Jamie Smith had the most team spirit.

Tamerea Henry had the best jumps and Lavonda Buford had received the best dancer award. Rayanne Ross, the only senior on the squad, received best all around cheerleader and was presented with a blanket for her six years of being a Go-Devil cheerleader.


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