Fairfield HS athletes honored at annual sports banquet

Fairfield HS athletes honored at annual sports banquet Mitchell Pate Wed, 05/22/2024 - 11:59 Image

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The Fairfield High School athletes were honored for all of their achievements this school year at the annual sports banquet hosted by the Booster Club on Thursday evening, May 16.

This year, the Fairfield Eagles and Lady Eagles had seven district championships, eight playoff wins, 20 area qualifiers, 52 regional qualifiers, 20 state qualifiers, and 75 academic all-district selections.

Bachtel praised the Fairfield Athletic Booster Club for all of their support of the athletic programs this season. The booster club purchased $43,350 worth of equipment this year and also gave away $6,750 in scholarships to graduating seniors.

Avery Thaler was named the Most Outstanding Athlete for the girls.

“Avery has excelled in our program for four years. She’s been All-State in volleyball, All-State and a State Champion in basketball, and a State Champion several times in track. Over the years, she has made her coaches and her teammates better,” Girls Athletic Coordinator Sally Whitaker said. “She has always done everything that is naked of her and more. This year, she led the volleyball team to their best finish in school history. She is not only an outstanding athlete, she is an outstanding person. She is also only the second athlete we have ever had to win all three of our awards. Her freshman year, she was the Fighting Heart. Her junior year, she was Most Improved. This year, she is the Most Outstanding Athlete.”

Madox Mitchael and Zadie McPherson earned the Fighting Heart Award for the girls program.

“Madox has quietly been a cornerstone of our athletic program since her freshman year. She has been a three sport varsity athlete all four years. She has qualified for state in cross country, won state championships in track, and will play softball for the University of Houston next year. She battled an injury that could have ended her track and softball seasons early, but she pushed through pain and treatments to help her teammates win a state championship in the 4x200m relay and set a new school record.” Whitaker said, “Zadie does not do anything quietly and we love her for it. She has played volleyball and softball for four years, and this year in volleyball, after starting the season not playing much, had to step in and play back row. Her positive attitude and strong mentality allowed her to step in and help our team to the best finish in school history. In softball, she stepped up as a catcher for the last two years and that is not an eats position to play. She works hard for her teammates, and I am proud of the impact she has had on our program.”

Zada Pjetrovic received the Most Improved Award for the girls.

“Zada came to me two years ago and told me her goal was to run a six minute mile. I think she struggled to run a mile in under eight minutes at that time. She wanted to make the varsity track team. Her sophomore year, she ran JV track. This year as a junior, she started out on the JV track team again. ” Whitaker said. “Instead of pouting or quitting, she kept working. Two weeks before the district track meet, she was still running JV. As her times improved, her coaches moved her up to the varsity. Of all of the great money we have had in our track program over the past few years, this year’s mile run at district track ranks very high for me. I saw a determined, confident runner compete for a spot in the Area Meet. She held on and advanced to Area with a fourth place finish. It may not seem like such an accomplishment, but after a personal best 6:07 mile and the most meaningful fourth place finish I’ve ever witnessed, Zada has earned this year’s Most Improved Athlete award.”

Collin Glass was named the Most Outstanding Athlete for the boys.

“Collin played football and was a tough dude. He wreaked havoc on opposing teams’ quarterbacks all year long. His motor didn’t stop in practice or game nights,” Bachtel said. “He received the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award. He blocked seven kicks this year. He placed second at the Regional Powerlifting Meet and qualified for the state meet. He also qualified for the Area Meet in track.”

Rowdy Hand earned the Fighting Heart Award for the boys program.

“This award goes to the guy who works the hardest every day, shows up on time, and is dependable. We can count on him when things get tough, Bachtel said.” Rowdy was a three year starter in football and a four year starter in baseball. He showed up every single day ready to get better. Everyone told me he was too small, but it never mattered to him. He just went to work every day.”

Kohl Collins and Conner Colvert received the Most Improved Athlete Award for the boys.

“Kohl was an All-State Punter in football, 1st Team All-District selection in basketball, played baseball and ran track,” Bachtel said. “Conner was moved up to varsity in football as well as baseball. He started in the playoff game and became a starter in the outfield on the baseball team.”