Decatur athletes celebrate winning seasons

Photo by Mike Eckels Coach Shane Holland (left) presents Matt Lee with the 2014 boys Athlete of the Year award during the Decatur athletic banquet May 20 at Northside Elementary. Matt Lee participated in football, basketball and soccer for the Bulldogs.
Photo by Mike Eckels Coach Shane Holland (left) presents Matt Lee with the 2014 boys Athlete of the Year award during the Decatur athletic banquet May 20 at Northside Elementary. Matt Lee participated in football, basketball and soccer for the Bulldogs.

DECATUR -- The Decatur High School athletic department has plenty to be proud of this past school year, having won the 2A West District Basketball tournament, senior boys' district track meet, junior high district track meet, and, for the first time, having a soccer team go to and win one of two games at the district soccer matches.

No one was more proud of these accomplishments than athletic director John Unger. As he stood before the many athletes, family members, friends, administrators and town folk during the 2013-14 Decatur Bulldog athletic banquet held at Northside Elementary May 20, he shared his Bulldog pride.

"We had an outstanding year, taking the district titles in both senior boys' basketball and track, as well as having our soccer team go to district for the first time in years," Unger stated. "I am very proud of every one of our athletes this year."

The banquet was sponsored by the Decatur Bulldog Booster Club.

The Bulldog athletic banquet recognized all students from grades 9-12 who participated in the Decatur sports program in 2013-14. It also awarded the best athletes in football, basketball (both boys and girls), baseball, softball, cross-country, trap shooting, soccer, track and field, and cheerleading. Three categories, most valuable player, Bulldog Pride and most improved athlete, were given to the best of the best in each sport. It also recognized those athletes who distinguished themselves by making either the 2A West district or the 2A state teams.

Two Bulldogs made the All-State teams in their respective sports this year. Mario Urquidi was named to the 2A All-State Basketball Team, while Tony Mendoza was named to the 2A All-State Soccer Team.

Several Decatur athletes made the 2A West All-District Team this season. In football, Matt Lee and Allan Castanada; basketball, Mario Urquidi, Victor Urquidi, Trey Kell, Meng Vang, and Pheng Lee (honorable mention); girls' basketball, Hannah Ramsey, Brittany Frost; softball, Cameron Shaffer; baseball, Jason Porter Jr, Joey Barnes and Brody Funk both honorable mention.

There is no doubt that 2013-14 was a phenomenal season for the Decatur Bulldog athletic department. The good news is many of this year's athletes will be returning for the 2014-15 season. Next year promises to be even more exciting and action packed. The only problem is having to wait for the season to begin.

Football

Senior High Offensive Player of the Year - Allan Castenada, Senior High Defensive Player of the Year - Meng Vang, Senior High Outstanding Lineman - Matt Lee, Senior High Most Improved Player - Brody Funk, Junior High Offensive Player of the Year - Leng Lee, Junior High Defensive Player of the Year - Jafett Puga, Junior High Outstanding Lineman - Cameron Shaffer, Junior High Most Improved Player - Brandon Coker

Track Awards

Senior High Girls Outstanding Track - Lacy Barrett, Senior High Girls Outstanding Field - Hannah Ramsey, Junior High Girls Outstanding Track - Desi Meeks, Junior High Girls Outstanding Field - Cameron Shaffer, Junior High Girls Most Improved - Latica Fuentes, Senior High Boys Outstanding Track - Kyle Shaffer, Senior High Boys Outstanding Field - Mario Urquidi, Senior High Boys Most Improved - Tyler Riddle, Junior High Boys Track and Field Athlete of the Year - Ryan Shaffer, Junior High Boys Outstanding Track - Taylor Haisman, Junior High Boys Outstanding Field - Brandon Coker

Basketball

Senior High Boys MVP - Mario Urquidi, Senior High Girls MVP - Hannah Ramsey, Junior High Boys MVP - Jason Porter Jr., Junior High Girls MVP - Cameron Shaffer, Senior High Boys Most Improved - Allan Castenada, Senior High Girls Most Improved - Courtney Kumm, Junior High Boys Most Improved - Jafett Puga, Junior High Girls Most Improved - Jessicia Mendoza, Senior High Boys Bulldog Pride Award - Victor Urquidi, Senior High Girls Bulldog Pride Award - Jacqueline Vargas, Junior High Boys Bulldog Pride Award - Ryan Shaffer, Junior High Girls Bulldog Pride Award - Megan Smith

Baseball

MVP - Jason Porter Jr., Most Improved - Hai Nguyen, Bulldog Pride Award - Jacob Jones, Pitcher of the Year - Brody Funk, Hitter of the Year - Jason Porter Jr, Gold Glove - Ryan Shaffer

Softball

MVP - Cameron Shaffer, Most Improved - Jessica Jesson, Bulldog Pride Award - Kara Becker

Soccer

MVP - Orlando Aguirre-Martinez, Most Improved - Leng Lee, Offensive Player of the Year - Tony Mendoza, Defensive Player of the Year - Alex Cordova, Bulldog Pride Award - Carlos Ocampo

Trap Shooting

Junior High Shooter of the Year - Tanner Duncan, Senior High Shooter of the Year - Joey Barnes, Junior High Most Improved Shooter - Jessie Dutton, Senior High Most Improved Shooter - Samantha Goble, 20-Plus Club - Joey Barnes, Levi Duncan, and Randy Wright

Cheer

Junior High Cheerleader of the Year - Katie Manes, Senior High Cheerleader of the Year - Haliey Mead

Sports on 06/18/2014