Graham booster club honors athletes

The Graham High School Booster Club held its annual Spring Sports Banquet at the Young County Arena on Tuesday. Athletes from the winter and spring sports were honored for the accomplishments this season. The event began with a live auction with the proceeds going to the GHS Booster Club. Some of the items auctioned off were a signed Steers baseball team photo, a signed Lady Blues softball team picture as well as a softball signed team helmet. The track team also signed team pictures that were auctioned off. The softball items were a big hit with the team still playing in the Regional Quarterfinals this weekend. The signed softball team photo went for $225 with the team helmet selling for $675. Graham head athletic trainer Tom Lewis was honored for his hard work and dedication for 33 years. Lewis is retiring after this season. The basketball teams were honored first for their seasons. Both squads had runs that saw them reach postseason play. This year's freshman boys team had an impressive season. Hunter Lanham, Daniel Gilbertson, Trent White, Damien Zemski, Zach Martin, Raider Horn, Austin Bryant, Easton Wolfe, Brayden Pinkston, Javier Leija and Gage Faulk were all congratulated for the excellent work during their first year on the hardwood. Next was the junior varsity basketball team under the direction of Robert Sides. The Steers varsity team took the stage had an overall record of 15-15 and advanced to the area round of the playoffs. Junior players Cameron Mason and Marc Tate were honored for being named to the First-Team All District as well as senior Wes Martin for his Second-Team selection. The senior was also selected to the second-team all-state academic squad. The team consisting of Mason, Tate, Martin, Jake Lanham, Bryce Bozeman, Case Birch, Tucker Horn, Marcus Brooks, Will Hays and Jack Mercer competed for the varsity. Horn was named to the first-team academic all-state team. "I feel really lucky to be able to coach this team, because they are hard-workers and high achievers," said Steers head basketball coach Marcus Morris. "I don't feel like I ever could make a practice hard enough for these guys. Honored right after was the Lady Blues basketball team that ended the season at 15-15. A team that had their ups-and-downs during the non-district portion of the schedule to begin the year, a light clicked once district play began which saw the team turn it up a notch. They went just 10-13 to start the season before winning 6 of 8 district games to share the co-district championship with Burkburnett. Junior guard Ryan Gober was congratulated after being named Offensive MVP of the district and being selected to the Times Record News' Red River 22 squad, which was the first time a GHS player has been selected to the list in quite awhile according to their head coach. "This was the first time in I believe in 13 years that Graham girls basketball has won district," said Lady Blues head coach Ky Graham said. "We wanted more but unfortunately it just wasn't meant to be. They definitely set the bar high and a firm foundation for future teams and I am proud to have been a part of this group." Senior Allison Lee was named to the Academic All-State team. Gober was named team MVP voted on by her fellow teammates. The Fighting Heart award was awarded to two-year letterman, Michelle Delong. Next, the Lady Blues and Steers soccer teams were introduced. Head coaches Tim Wankowicz and Misty Mills both admitted each of their teams faced lots of adversity during the inaugural season of soccer at the high school level in the community. "It was an honor to coach a group of fine young men," said Wankowicz. "We really are already looking forward to being in an actual district next year." The Steers concluded the season with a total of 45 goals scored with five wins and two ties in their first year as a outlaw program. Next year will be the first season both soccer programs compete in actual 4A districts. The Captain Klutz award was given to Julien Noria. Will Busey was awarded the Sir Sendoff Award. David Lopez and Jeb Curry were given an award for always being positive and helping others on the field. Lopez also was named the Golden Boots award winner and the Defensive MVP. The Most Improved award was given to backup goalkeeper Joe Rushin. Chandler Dyer was given the Freshman Standout award after his remarkable season that included two goals against Gainesville. The Offensive MVP award was each given to Greg Simental and Alonso Arvizu. For the rest of this story, subscribe to our print or online edition.