Extracurricular Awards Banquet Held

Wolf Point High School students involved in boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, wrestling, cheerleading and speech/drama were saluted during an awards ceremony on Monday, March 22.

Athletic director Cody Larson commended the students for their dedication during a stressful year.

“There was one point in January that we didn’t know if we would finish any season,” Larson said.

Speech and drama advisor Wendy Connelley noted that Daniel Sears, Angelica Sutton and Delano Eymard all qualified for the state semi-finals. Sears won the state title and Sutton placed third at the state competition.

Sutton was selected the program’s most valuable player and Eymard was the Rookie of the Year. Sears received the “most likely to befriend the enemy” award.

Girls’ basketball coach Jon Kolstad mentioned the good attitudes of his players.

Kolstad noted that off-season playing and competing in other sports are important.

J’Elle Garfield earned selection to the All-Conference team.

Wrestling coach Scott Vandall noted that many of his younger wrestlers faced state champions during the season and is confident about the program’s future.

Highlights of the season included Joli Beston taking second at the first ever all-girls’ state wrestling meet. Mason Garfield earned sixth place at the Class B state meet.

Team awards included Garfield as most valuable player, Jordan Davis as most inspirational, Beston as most improved and Charlie Page as team leader.

Boys’ basketball assistant coach Cole Hanks noted how the Wolves improved throughout the season. Antone Manning was earned All-Conference honors and Zander Ackerman was voted second team All-Conference.

Team honors included Manning as most valuable player, Corey Martell as top defensive player, Gaige Bushman as most inspirational and Ackerman as Mr. Hustle.

Acting superintendent of schools Jim Baldwin served as the event’s guest speaker. He has a long coaching career including being a state championship coach in Wolf Point.

Baldwin urged students to be well-rounded and not pick only one sport to play. He said when he coached basketball, he had a rule that team members needed to try football or cross country in the fall.

“I really believe that helped a great deal,” Baldwin said.

He stressed the importance of working hard in the off season.

Baldwin said few athletes become professional athletes, “but you all can be outstanding students.”

He urged students to be good citizens and take pride in their school and community.