Chris Kellett was the final coach to introduce his team and hand out awards at the Shawano Athletic Booster Club’s winter athletics banquet Monday at The Gathering in Shawano.
The first-year boys basketball coach at Shawano Community High School had no problem adapting his season-long theme of family to the larger audience.
“Being a part of Shawano basketball, it’s more than just basketball,” Kellett said. “It’s about all the sports working together in the community. It’s great to celebrate swimming, wrestling, girls basketball, cheer, poms, hockey all in one night. It was fun.”
All the winter sports teams got a chance to brag on their successes at the banquet.
Perhaps the least surprising award of the night went to swimmer Zach Soper, who was named the boys swim team’s Most Valuable Player. Soper became the first Shawano athlete to win two state titles at the same meet when he won the 100-yard backstroke and 100 butterfly at last month’s WIAA Division 2 state championships.
“It feels like everything I’ve done in practice has paid off,” Soper said. “I can improve for next year, but it feels really good.”
Soper was also honored as a captain of the swim team. Christian Kane and Rolando Colon also received captain awards. Griffin Rades was named Rookie of the Year.
Boys basketball
Zack Sousek was selected as the boys basketball team’s Most Valuable Player. The junior guard led the team in scoring and was third in the Bay Conference for assists.
“Zack had a phenomenal year,” Kellett said. “He got 22 out of a possible 24 votes. He earned it. He was our heart and soul and one of our best defenders. He handled the ball the whole time, and without him we would have been in some trouble.”
Garret Schlise was named the team’s defensive Most Valuable Player. Dylan Hintz won the Mr. Hustle award, and Jack Lacy was named most improved. Clint Dallas won the teammate award.
Dillon Frechette won the dedication award, which Kellett added to the program this year.
“Dillon Frechette got a dedication award, which to me is one of the most important awards,” Kellett said. “He came to everything. It showed in his play. He put the time in and I’m very proud of him.”
Girls basketball
Lindsey Kurtz was named the girls basketball team’s Most Valuable Player, leading the team in scoring.
Courtney Vomastic was named most improved. Erika Dunnam won The Enforcer award for rebounds and blocks. Megan Klitzke won the Dime Collector award for assists. Kayla Hokenstad won the coach’s award.
Wrestling
Cody Urban, who qualified for the WIAA Division 1 state individual wrestling tournament at 160 pounds, was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and won the Heart of the Hawk award.
Jayce Hinkfuss was named most improved. Mike Meisner and Dalton Parson each won coach’s awards.
Hockey
Triston Krueger was named Most Valuable Player for the varsity reserve hockey team. Blake Stoss was named most dedicated and honored as a team captain. Chancellor Van Dyck was named most improved, and the coach’s award went to Aaron Lammers.
Cheer
Natalie Stepniewski was named the cheer team’s Most Valuable Player. Caitlin Raether won the Spirit of the Hawks award. Brandi Fisken was named most improved. Maya Ihrcke won the Team Builder award. Allison Raddant and Mariah Ruehle both won All-American titles.
Pom-poms
Madison Lemerond was the team’s MVP. Cassandra Whitehouse was named most dedicated, and Leah Larsen was named the team’s Rookie of the Year. The coach’s award went to Rachel Lohrengel. Haleigh Springborn won the Big Sister award. Lohrengel, Springborn and Lemerond all received captain awards.
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