Decatur athletes recognized at annual awards banquet

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

— Middle and high school athletes were recognized at the Athletic Awards Banquet last Tuesday night.

Students were honored for their achievements in basketball, football, soccer, track, baseball and softball. Coaches presented most valuable player awards and announced allconference and all-state athletes during the ceremony. Students were also recognized with a multitude of otherawards for their hard work.

Coaches also thanked parents for their support, as well as bus drivers and volunteers.

Basketball coach Donnie Smith spoke to the students about courage and risking defeat for the possibility of victory.

“Never be afraid to give everything you have during competition or the classroom,” Smith said.

Soccer coach James Garner encouraged athletes to play for the love of the game. Althoughthe Decatur is a 2A school, they compete in a 4A league, Garner said. Even though the Bulldogs are underdogs in the league, they won several games and competed well in the other games, he said.

Athletic director Bobby King looked to next year’s sports season and reported that 21 prospective senior high football players turned out for last week’s spring practice.

“We are taking the field in Bulldog Stadium this September,” King said.

Sports, Pages 6 on 05/26/2010