Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Banquet Honors Gurdon's Student Athletes

By JOHN MILLER

Saying Gurdon had a tough year athletically would be an understatement.

Yet, the student athletes stayed together, fighting hard for every victory and never giving up when winning didn't happen.

Their endeavors for the 1996-97 school year were honored Thursday, May 15, at the annual All Sports Banquet. The Gurdon High School cafetorium was adorned with purple and gold helium-filled balloons littering the ceiling, while trophies decorated the tables.

John Pace, head football coach and athletic director, thanked those who helped prepare the banquet, as well as those who aided the Go- Devils throughout the year on the different fields of combat.

Pace began the ceremonies talking about the football season. He said this season was not much fun as it began with Coach Randy Kizer suffering a stroke before the first game began.

Pace's father was dying of cancer during the grid campaign, which kept him away from the sidelines quite a bit.

This, he said, meant the team didn't have consistency in the coaching. He apologized to the players for what had happened during the year, but praised them for sticking together in spite of a season with only three wins.

"I felt the kids did a good job staying together in spite of it all," Pace said. "There wasn't much consistency, but it couldn't be helped."

The adversity the 1996 grid crew suffered, he said, could make next year's team even stronger. Several young players were able to gain much valuable experience from this past season, which may translate into a winning campaign next year.

Pace presented the football team members certificates of participation, giving humorous sniglets of information about their performances on the field.

First year lettermen in all sports were given jackets, while those earning the second letter received plaques. Third year athletes earning letters were given blankets.

Five members of the football Go-Devils were named All District. They were: Eric Hatley, Nick Hughes, Keone Penny, Kaleb Williams and Mario Charles.

The individual awards went to those the coaches felt had done the best job during the season. Josh Griffin went home as the most improved football player, while Charles was tabbed the best offensive back. Hatley garnered the defensive back honors, with Penny taking home the offensive lineman awards. Accolades as the best linebacker went to Williams who had 100 tackles during the season. Derrick Gulley, though, earned the prestigious Go-Devil Award.

When Pace finished with the grid awards, John Ware took over for the boys basketball honors.

Ware thanked the other coaches, administration, parents and booster club for their help during the hardcourt season.

He said the 1996-97 campaign was fun and enjoyable. "We were in a new conference, and it wasn't weak. It's a basketball conference and they take it seriously," he said of the 7A Central. "There are some tough teams to play."

Still, the Devils roundball team earned co-championship status with Stamps.

"We all believed in each other and pulled for one another," he said of the team's efforts. "That's what makes a good team."

Chauncey Charles was given the Sixth Man award, when the honors were presented. Antonio Gatlin earned the leadership plaque, while most improved went to Adrian Meeks.

It was no surprise when Terry Cornish was presented the rebound award, nor Marcus Wright the hustle trophy. The offensive player of the year went to Corey Marsh, while Hatley earned defensive honors. Mitch Plyler went home with the top prize -- the Go Devil Award.

Marsh, Hatley and Wright were named All District, while Marsh and Hatley also garnered All Region honors. Hatley pulled the hat trick with an All State bid as well. Wright, though, was presented with the NBA Sportsmanship Award.

"I'm proud of them," Ware said. "The way they responded all year. They lost the first game of the season to Prescott, but I didn't know how disappointed they were until the next day." Several talked about leaving the team because of the loss to their long-time arch rivals, but didn't.

"They responded," Ware said. "They worked hard and won games. When we had adversity during the season, they responded. I'm really proud of them this year."

Donald Williams took center stage for the girls basketball honors. He said the 1996-97 campaign was another banner season for the Lady Devils.

"I'm proud of these young ladies," he said. "It was a trying year with a lot of ups and downs. But we learned and continued to grow."

Williams praised the parents for their participation, saying their support is vital for the team's success.

LaVonda Young earned the most improved honors, with Tameka Hatley going home with the top defensive player status. Wanda Cornish was named offensive player of the year, with Alicia Clayborn earning the rebound award. The Go-Devil award went to senior April Simpson.

Hatley also earned mention on the All SAU Tournament team, while D. Jones earned the NBA award.

Clayborn, Cornish and Simpson were tabbed All District, with Clayborn also being named All State.

The most visibly emotional part of the ceremony came with the cheerleading awards. Cindy Duke, this year's sponsor, had previously announced her intention to leave the team as its mentor, and was choked up several times during her presentation.

She said cheerleading doesn't end with the conclusion of the football and basketball seasons. In fact, she said, the cheerleaders have two weeks off before they start work for the next school year's crusade.

Duke said being a cheerleader is a lot of hard work. She praised the secretaries who helped her, along with the "Mom Squad" for their efforts.

"It was a great year," she said. "You were champs all year in my heart."

But the Devil cheerleaders were champs in more places than just Duke's heart. They won the championship at their summer camp and were one of the top teams in a national competition. They also finished second in the state cheerleading contest.

All cheerleaders were presented plaques for their work during the year, but two special awards were presented. Duke said these honors were even more special as the cheerleaders voted on the recipients themselves.

The Griffin Spirit Award went to Rochelle Reese, while the 110 Percent Award was given to Elizabeth Shepherd.

Pace took control of the podium to present baseball awards. He said the Diamond Devils had a good year, going 9-5 with wins over eventual league champ Stamps and second place Nevada.

In spite of the limited numbers, the team finished the season with 11 players, the Devils did well and enjoyed themselves.

There was a tie for the defensive award between Gatlin and Brandon Jennings, a first year player who surprised Pace with his skills. Paul McMillan earned the offensive player award as well as the Go-Dev