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By Joel Frady
Dozens of student athletes were recognized for their accomplishments
on Sunday, Nov. 23, as the athletics
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department of Ashe County High School held their 2008 Fall
Sports Banquet. The school also has banquets to honor their
winter and spring sports, and the banquet Sunday was held to
honor the varsity and junior varsity students who played football,
soccer, volleyball, golf, tennis and cross-country.
"It's just a fantastic opportunity for the kids to be recognized
for their accomplishments throughout the year in their specific
sports," said ACHS Principal Phil Howell. He noted that
the school holds three banquets to "allow for more students
and parents to be honored," and that "it's just a
good time for everyone."
Athletic Director Marc Payne commended the athletes for both
the way they compete and the "positive and classy manner
with which they represent Ashe County High School and Ashe County."
Howell said that some of the highlights were having state qualifiers
in tennis and a second place conference finish in varsity football.
Vickie Herman, the head tennis coach at ACHS since 1999, said
that her team's experience led to their 9-1 record and Mountain
Valley Conference championship.
"It certainly was a goal we had at the beginning of the
year, so it's always nice when you achieve your goal,"
she said of winning the title. "It's a tough conference
to play in - Wilkes Central and Surry Central are, year after
year, always good competitors." She added that two of the
team's singles players, Courtney Bowers and Ivey Tant, were
undefeated, as was the doubles team of Bowers and Lizzie Hanes.
Howell added that the "men's soccer team had one of the
best seasons they've ever had, and some of those kids really
stepped up to the line."
"We had a great season," said Richard Gill, head varsity
soccer coach. He noted that they had three players chosen as
All-Conference and two honorable mentions as they finished 9-9-1.
Howell also spoke of determination that students must exhibit
to succeed at athletics.
"The athletics brings with it a level of leadership,"
he said. "With that comes academic, and they go hand-in-hand.
"Our athletic program here ranks as one of the highest
academic programs in the state," he continued. "We
have numerous teams each year that win state awards based primarily
upon the grade point average involving student athletes."
He noted that students must be in school and pass their courses
to stay eligible for athletics.
"It's a drive," he said, adding that it's also "a
win-win situation."
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