Photos of the PHS Athletic Awards can be seen here!
Everyone's high school experience is special because of reasons unique to each individual. For hundreds of high-schoolers involved in a sport, athletics might be their favorite part of their high school career. Many of those athletes gathered together to celebrate the close to the fall athletic season at Portage High School.
Students in grades 9-12 involved in fall sports at the high school celebrated their season at the 2014 Fall Sports Banquet. The banquet was hosted by PHS Athletic Director Kathy Bermes to congratulate the student athletes on their past season.
"I think it is important that athletes know we honor and appreciate them and their efforts and commitment," Bermes said. "They need to be awarded for their accomplishments."
To open the event, Bermes spoke in the auditorium at the high school about the fall sports teams and presented a few awards, including an award to the sports team with the highest average GPA, which went to the girls' volleyball team. Bermes then handed the mic off to the coaches of each team so that they could present certain awards as well.
Each coach presented third and fourth year letter winners and mentioned senior players. In addition, an MVP was recognized for most sports. Trophies were given to individual team members for accomplishments he or she has made.
Junior Allison Clark won the MVP award for soccer.
"I was kind of expecting it because people were telling me that they think I should win it, but that's because I worked really hard and contributed a lot to the game," Clark said.
Once those awards were given, the sports teams split up into different rooms to hand out more detailed awards. For example, the cross country coach handed out awards specific to running such as most miles ran during the season.
"An award for best defensive player could be given out for soccer or football, and an award for most spikes or most digs could be given out for volleyball. A lot of the awards in the breakout sessions are very specific to the sport," Bermes said.
However, not all awards given at that time were so "sport specific." In addition, there were scholar athlete awards, academic awards, and all state awards given to the players. Coaches could also use that individual time to thank the players for being a part of that sport, recognizing valuable team members and recapping the season.
After an individual team was finished handing out awards and talking about the season, they were able to go to the South Cafeteria in the high school to have some lemonade and cookies. The sports team members relaxed there until they wrapped up the night and everyone made their way home.
"This is a very happy event," Bermes said. "The people are excited, the kids dressed up, and they look good. The kids like a pat on the back, and maybe they had a bad season, but here, at least they get their pat on the back."