Grid banquet honors eight seniors

Colfax football players, coaches and parents marked the final chapter of the 2014 season with a dessert banquet Monday night at the high school. Eight football seniors were seated at the head table.

Coach Mike Morgan noted the 6-4 finish did not sit well with members of the team who felt the season ended too soon. He said he rated the season was a success, especially considering the tough competition this year in the NE league.

“I know a college coach 15 miles from here who would like to trade up to a 6-4 record,” Morgan commented.

All special awards Monday went to seniors. Winners of team-voted honors were A.J. Garcia, most improved; Andrew Becker, most inspirational, and Josh Brown and Dylan Hall, co-winners of most valuable teammate. The coaches’ award was presented to Brown and Dylan Hall, and the scholastic award was earned by Cody Gronning.

Other departing seniors honored Monday night were Bo Claassen and Brian Stueckle.

Senior cheerleaders at the head table were Jolee Aeschliman and Morgan Reynolds along with senior Kim Hinnenkamp, who portrayed Mr. Bulldog during the season. Darian Campisi and Brittany Lewis, other senior cheerleaders, were unable to attend.

Jayvee players earning special awards were Jonas Canup, most improved; Dane Hall, most inspirational, and Ben Ahmann, most valuable teammate and scout team player of the year.

Varsity awards were announced by assistant coaches.

Coach Jason Cooper presented awards to defensive backs Tobie Warwick, Allen Tate, Webber, Hall, Keith Gfeller, Claassen, Cody Fulfs and Stueckle.

Linebacker coach Todd Kinley presented awards to Brian DeYoung, Reggie Jones, Tyler Kincaid and Gronning.

Line coach Craig Culbertson presented awards to Jared Kneale, Becker, Kenton Lyman, Josh Brown, Nick McAdams and Garcia.

Jayvee Coach Todd Kinley presented awards to Derrick Ward, Lewis Morford, Canup, Logan Gingerich, Dylan Nails, Riley Wuestney and Tucker Riley. Jayvee/varsity players recognized were Brett Kincaid, Dillon Meserve, Hall, Ahmann, Connor Pelisser, Caleb Brown, Jared Thompson, Zway Erickson, Jon Klaveano, Christopher Jones and Galen McWhirter.

Other cheerleaders on the squad this year were Sara Welchel, Lauren Claassen, Abby Buffington and Hailey Ring.