The spring sports season is almost in full swing just a few weeks after the boys’ basketball team left the court. To honor the hard work put in by winter sports programs and bring their seasons to a close, East Noble held the annual Winter Sports Awards Banquet.  The coaches spoke of their sport’s ups and downs, but overall there were many successes to recognize, such as the girls’ basketball team winning sectionals, Nate Householder qualifying for the State wrestling competition, and Bri Glass advancing to gymnastics Regionals.

Athletic Director Nick David kicked off the program by welcoming the parents and athletes to the auditorium and introducing the members of the Athletic Leadership Council who announced the honorees for the remainder of the evening. After the coaches had a chance to speak about their respective programs, Four Year Sport Award recipients were announced. The students who received the awards are as follows:

Boys’ Basketball: Chase Klinker, Ren Crump, Quincey Washington, Chris Weber, Samantha Sturgis (Manager), Madeline Cripe (Manager)

Girls’ Basketball: Maddie Bryan, Chandler Jones, Paige DeCamp, Katie Kline

Girls’ Swim & Dive: Ashley Nichols

Boys’ Swim & Dive: Phillip Phan

Wrestling: Grant Gregory, Seth Ferrier, Nate Housholder, Trevor Rainey, Claire Brown (Manager)

Cheerleading: Madi Franks

Gymnastics: Brianna Glass

Senior Devin Gingerich then took the podium to announce the NE8 All Conference Honorees. In total, 25 athletes were awarded for 1st Team, 2nd Team, and Honorable Mention as voted by their program’s conference. Nate Householder was later prompted to the stage to receive his honors for 1st Team Academic All-State and State Participant for wrestling.

Junior Brittany Alwine followed Gingerich at the podium to read the Ernsberger Memorium, afterward reading the names of the 15 athletes who earned their letterman jackets after the winter season.

Letterman Jackets are often earned after receiving just two varsity points in one sport, but it is slightly more difficult to earn an East Noble Blanket. To receive one, and athlete must have earned at least 8 varsity points over their entire high school sports careers. 4 students achieved this honor:

Brianna Glass – Athletic Training, Gymnastics, Softball

Owen Puckett – Football, Boys Basketball, Athletic Training, Track & Field

Nicholas Babyak – Football, Wrestling, Track & Field, Athletic Training

Jessica Vandiver – Girls Cross Country, Girls Basketball – Manger, Track & Field

The Sports Awards program was particularly special for senior Phillip Phan. There are jackets and there are blankets, but for the high-achieving athlete who has received an impressive 11 varsity points, there are rings. For his outstanding participation in cross country, swim and dive, and track and field, Nick David had the honor of presenting a ring to Phan for his accomplishment. After being asked how it felt to have received this honor, Phan replied,

“It feels absolutely incredible. The ring is a symbol of all the hard work and dedication I put into cross country, swimming, and track. It was not as easy feat, and I am extremely grateful to achieve this mark.”

Sportsmanship Awards were then announced and awarded to one deserving student from each sport, and once again Nick David took the podium to close out the night. After each award was handed out and each athlete was honored for their hard work during the winter sports season, it was clear that East Noble has an abundance of talent to be proud of.