Wolfpack student-athletes honored for football, volleyball and cheer

DAYTON–Student-athletes who played football, volleyball or cheer for Dayton-Waitsburg Wolfpack during the fall sports seasons were honored with letter awards and other recognition by coaches at an Awards Ceremony at the D.H.S. Auditorium December 5.

Cheer squad members being recognized were Tayla King, Suri Vela and Laney Crow, Cheer Advisor Vicki Hamann noted. King was a first-year cheerleader and received her letter. Vela, a freshman, also lettered and Crow, who cheered the previous season, lettered.

Vela and Crow were presented the Coach's Award, leading cheers during every game, Hamann said.

For Varsity Volleyball, senior and team captain Megan Forney was a four-year letterer, said Head Coach Tracy Barron. "I'm really, really going to miss her leadership. She was good at bringing the younger girls in and making them feel a part of the team."

Ella Larson played her first year on varsity and exhibited a strong worth ethic, Barron said, pushing herself over the breaking point.

Trista Villaro "pushed herself further" and Barron said, as a coach, she couldn't ask someone to work harder than that.

Underclassmen players Madison Gallardo, Emily Rodrick, Kylee Henry, Peyton Struckmeier and Makenna Barron were all mentioned for their contributions to the team, with Barron noting that Henry led the team in assists, serving and ace serves. Henry was also an All League Honorable Mention.

Barron presented two Coach's Awards, one to Mylie Jones and the other to Henry. Jones's demeanor made Barron happy and thus, the team was happy and life was better, Barron said. Henry "continually strives to be better," and devoted time to younger players learning to set. Barron liked Henry's willingness to work with other players and be coachable.

Alyssa Hollingsworth was voted by teammates as Most Improved. Makenna Barron was awarded, by teammates, as Most Inspirational, always having something constructive to say and stopping to help other teammates, Coach Barron said.

Most Valuable Player was Emily Rodrick, who was not present.

Junior Varsity volleyball players Amy Bly, Wyntr McCauley, Dakota Griffin, Brooklyn Laughery, Alyssa Hollingsworth and Mylie Jones were recognized by Assistant Coach Stephanie Hinchliffe. Each received a J.V. certificate, and Bly, McCauley, Griffin and Hollingsworth were recognized as Scholar-Athletes.

Coach Barron also recognized Manager Hannah Peralez for her diligence and attention during practices and games, even substituting for the announcer.

Head Coach Troy Larsen announced that All Conference recognition went to Monte Pettichord, First Team D-back and safety and as quarterback averaging 110 yards per game. Theo Anderson was First Team Defensive Line and Second Team Offensive Lineman. Pettichord made 78 tackles, an 11.1 per game average. Anderson was "such a menace," Larsen said.

Teammates voted Jasper Morrow as the Scout Player of the Year. Special Teams Player of the Year was Hunter Berg for his kicking prowess. Lineman of the Year went to Anderson for the third year in a row. Hudson Reser was Offensive Player of the Year. Pettichord was Defensive Player of the Year, and All League d-back and Wolfpack Player of the Year.

Brayden Mohney, who bowed out of playing late in the season due to injury, was presented the Fall Alpha Dog Award from Sam Korslund, A.D., for Mohney's involvement with encouragement and instruction of younger players, especially the middle school players.

Varsity letters were presented to Kaednce McCauley, Lucas VanHoose, Kaylub Prather, Tyson Durham, Blake French, Jayce Gleason, Noland Korslund, Klint Kuykendall, Cyson Morris, Jasper Morrow, Reuben Yutzy, Levi Boudrieau, Isaac Conover, Zachary Durham, Kason Fortune, Daylan Marlow, Garrett Palmer, Hudson Reser, Owen Yost, Monte Pettichord, Hunter Berg, and Theo Anderson. Scholar-athletes were Jasper Morrow, Kason Fortune, Hudson Reser, Monte Pettichord and Brayden Mohney.

Receiving certificates were Mason Garcia, Brody Carrigan, William Daves and Jackson Karl, Carrigan and Karl also recognized as scholar-athletes.