DECATUR -- It was a banner year for the Decatur High School athletic program and, as another school year came to an end, what better way to celebrate the Bulldogs' many successes than by gathering in one place for good food and fellowship!
The 2015 Decatur Athletic Banquet was held in the cafeteria at Decatur Northside Elementary School May 2. Seventy athletes were recognized for their many achievements during the 2014-15 Decatur Bulldog sports season.
The awards ceremony opened with Decatur Mayor Bob Tharp reading a resolution by the city of Decatur proclaiming May 2 Decatur Athletics Appreciation Day.
In the proclamation, the Decatur High senior boys' basketball team, senior members of that team, coaches, soccer team, and athletic program in general were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the community.
A plaque recognizing the 2014-15 basketball team was presented to coaches John Unger and Jason Porter by Mike Eckels, reporter for the Westside Eagle Observer. Eckels also presented plaques to Victor Urquidi, Allan Castaneda, Terry Kell, Pheng Lee and Brody Funk, all four-year members of senior boys' basketball team. A special plague was present to Mario Urquidi in recognition for his many accomplishments during his four-year high school career. The award also recognizes Urquidi for representing Decatur High School and his community with distinction and honor.
After the city's presentation, master of ceremonies John Unger began the athletes' award presentations. His coaching staff, which included Jason Porter, Bill Niven, Shane Holland, Anna Wilkins, Barry James, Chelsea Robinson and Lisa Barrett, helped hand out the awards.
The awards were divided into three categories, most valuable player, most improved, and Bulldog pride. The athletes were chosen by their peers on the teams in which they were participants. There were 14 teams in all, which included junior- and senior-high football, junior- and senior-high boys' and girls' basketball, baseball, softball, junior- and senior-high track, soccer, cheer, cross-country and trapshooting.
The evening concluded with the presentation of the Athlete of the Year awards.
The girls' recipient was Kara Becker. Becker participated in basketball, softball, cheer team and trap shooting.
The boys' recipient was Allan Castaneda. He was a four-year veteran of the senior boys' basketball and football, and a two-year veteran of the soccer team.
Unger concluded the program by thanking the many athletes, coaches, faculty and staff of the Decatur school system, and the many fans, for making the 2014-15 season a huge success.
Then it was over, another sport's season slipped into the history books for the Decatur athletic program. But the triumphs, disappointments, determination and dedication will live on in the memories of those who participated and supported the many Decatur Bulldog sports programs.
Decatur athletics program's accomplishments during the 2014-15 season included:
Winning the state 2A cross-country title in October.
Four members of the cross-country team named to all-state team.
Winning the 2A state 4x800-meter title.
4x800-meter team finished ninth in the Meet of Champions (competing against bigger 4A-7A schools).
Mario Urquidi was the first Decatur basketball athlete and possibly the first athlete ever from Decatur to sign a national letter of intent with a NCAA division II team.
The basketball team won the 2A 4West regular season championship with a record of 10 and 1.
Four members of the senior-high team named to all-district team, one honorable mention.
The junior-high boys' track team won the 2A district track meet.
The senior-high boys won the 2A regional track meet.
Desi Meeks was high-point individual winner at the Lions Invitational at Gravette.
Taylor Haisman was high-point individual winner at junior-high 2A district meet at Gurdon.
Soccer team placed third in 4A conference with a 9 and 2 record.
Soccer team made it to second round of the state 4A tournament.
Sports on 06/03/2015