DECATUR -- More than 150 parents, family members, townspeople, teachers and coaches gathered at Decatur Northside Elementary to honor the 125 athletes who gave of their time and talents in pursuit of the winning spirit that is Decatur Bulldog sports.
Carol Owens, Anna Wilkins and members of the Bulldog Booster Club hosted the annual Decatur Bulldog athletic banquet May 24 in the cafeteria of Northside Elementary in Decatur.
After a meal, John Unger, Decatur athletic director, served as the master of ceremonies for the evening. He began the evening by acknowledging several Bulldog supporters, including the booster club, Mike Eckels, Doug Holly and the parents.
"We couldn't do this without the help of these people," Unger said, "especially the parents who dropped off and picked up their kids, especially at 1 a.m. when the team returned home from a long road trip."
To present the awards in volleyball, basketball, cross country, soccer, track, baseball, softball, trap shooting and cheer team were coaches Shane Holland, Jessi Castagna, Jason Porter, Jeff Melton, Ashley Riggles, Adam Vore, James Garner, Lisa Barrett and Ladale Clayton.
Before the presentation of the female and male athlete of the year awards, Unger brought his coaching staff back to the stage. Together they presented the female athlete award of the year to Cameron Shaffer and the male athlete of the year award to Leng Lee.
"This has been a season of ups and downs," said Unger. "But, together, we celebrate the athletes who exemplified the best of 'Bulldog Pride' and the pride that is Decatur sports."
All-Conference Athletes:
Cameron Shaffer-Basketball, Softball, Track
Ryan Shaffer-Baseball, State Athlete-Scholar Award
Bracy Owens-Basketball
Leng Lee-Basketball, Baseball
Jay Porter-Baseball
Mathine Jessi-Softball
Desi Meek-Softball
Sports on 05/31/2017