Golf team members are(L-R) Clayton Cook, Patrick Haverty, Dustin Mathis, Justin Chandler, Andy Poff, Wilkin Lane, Anthony Tabb, Mindi Merritt, Nikki Griffin and Brooke Widner. After the inductee of the Hall of fame Award, the sports banquet got underway with the recognition of all athletes who played at Miller County High School for the 2007-2008 year.

Coach Richard Prescott and Renza Israel came on stage and presented softball awards. The Coach's Award went to Mindi Merritt and Laci Phillips; Most Improved Award to Amber Kelley and Jalessa Williams; Outstanding Defensive Players were Jessica Roberts and Brittany Miller, Outstanding Offensive Players were Isbella Lawson and Christina Tabb, Outstanding Players were Erika Rigsby and Brooke Widner, Captains Awards were presented to Mindi Merritt and Jessica Roberts. All Region 1A West recipients were Mindi Merritt, Erika Rigsby, Jessica Roberts, Brittany Miller, and Brooke Widner.

Afterward Coach Prescott presented the "Kim Tully Scholarship" to senior Erika Rigsby. Seniors Jessica Roberts,

Boys tennis members honored were (L-R) Caleb Whitaker, Austin Dean, Dustin Mathis, Matthew Tully, Chase Widner, Taylor Henry and David Barwick. Erika Rigsby, and Mindi Merritt presented a gift of appreciation to Coach Prescott and Coach Israel for their coaching ability and dedication to the team.

Next on the program was cheerleading coached by Miss Susan Wade, Julie Warren, and Leslie Godwin. Each cheerleader received a cheerleading medal beginning with seniors, Danielle Collier- Captain, Brittany Franklin, Ashley Spooner, and Christy Watson-Co Captain; juniors, Cassietta Coon, Danielle Durham, Jordie King, Christy Larkins; sophomores, Chelsea Freeman, LeAndra Kelley, Jodie Foster, Breche Roberts, Kyla Moye, Tarah Sloan; and freshman, Victoria Newberry. Then Miss Susan presented Best All Around Award to Danielle Collier, Most Spirited to Brittany Franklin, Highest Academic Award to Ashley Spooner for the fourth year, and Coach Award to Jordie King. Miss Susan then thanked everyone for their support, and the senior cheerleaders thanked the coaches for all their guidance.

Boys' basketball members honored were (L-R) Trey Bush, Juwan Jones, Mikel Price, Cosby Salters, Trez Morgan, Zenario Shuler, Will Martin, Colby Gilbert, Tony Grier and Chris Williams. Football was next on the program, and Coach Jason Houston was the first to speak stating that fall 2007 was a great season for football. We won seven and lost fivegames and went to the second round of state play-offs. These first athletes are the one that do not get much recognition, but they are out there every Friday night opening gaps up for those running backs and quarterbacks, and they are the Miller County Linemen, better known as the "ROOT HAWGS." Root Hawg Awards were presented to Robert Baker, Philip Mackey, Richaurd Sheffield,Russell Hart, Cosby Salters, Dalton Snipes, Allen George, Juwan Jones, and Cameron Randle. Then Coach Nate George came forward and told how the players voted on who would receive the next awards. The 2008 Best Defensive Linebacker was Cameron Randle; 2008 Best Offensive Lineman and 2008 Best Defensive Lineman, Robert Baker; 2008 Best Top Receiver, Tony Grier; 2008 Best Offensive Back, Shawndre Sheffield; 2008 Best Defensive Back, Frank Jones; and the 2008 Most Outstanding Player, Cameron Randle.

Boys baseball players honored were(L-R)Caleb Cunningham, Cody Philyaw, Jewan Jones, Dalton Snipes, Shelton Pickle, Tyler Cox, Jordan Kirkland, Nick Rawlings, Dillon Spurlock, Zenario Shuler, Allen Love,Jamie Addison, and Russell Hart by Coach Israel. Coach Richard Griffin then talked about Special Teams, and those recipients for the Special Team Player Award was Anthony Thompson. Most Improved Award was presented to Jeffrey King. The Pirate Award was presented to Cosby Salters, and the "Sweat Bucket Award" or Defensive Coach Award was presented to McQuel Sims. The Offensive Award was presented to Jeremy Grant.

There were several football players selected to the first, second, and Honorable Mention All Region Teams, and those were Tony Grier, Anthony Thompson, Allen George, Jeremy Grant, Juwan Jones, Robert Baker, Dalton Snipes, Philip Mackey, Zenario Shuler, McQuel Sims, Cameron Randle, Chris Williams, Cosby Salters, Shawndre Sheffield,Trez Morgan, Frank Jones and Jeffrey King. Each senior football players were presented their red jerseys beginning with Frank Jones, Allen George, Philip Mackey, Cameron Randle, and Jeremy Grant. The seniors then thanked the coaches for all their hard work and coaching ability during this past football season.

Girls basketball team members honored were (L-R)Christy Daniels, Talisa Calloway, Toya Bush, Shanlia Kelley, Reva Butler, Shannon Crankfield,Selina Diamond, Katrina Crankfield,Sukena Diamond and Coach Marianne Melton. Golf Coach Jason Houston was next on the program to present awards to our Miller County High School Golf Team. Coach Houston stated, "I had only three girls to come out for golf, and I enjoyed each and every one of them." Brooke Widner was chosen for the All Region Team and received the Low Medalist Award, Mindi Merritt received a Senior Award, and Niki Griffin received a set of MCHS Pirate golf balls.

On our boys' golf team, they were very fortunate to have hosted the Region Tournament at Crooked Oaks, and our Boys' Golf team came in third place. "These guys came out and worked really hard, and I am proud of them all," Houston said. Players consisted of Anthony Tabb, Wilkin Lane, Patrick Haverty, Justin Chandler, Andy Poff, Dustin Mathis, and Clayton Cook. Wilkin Lane received the Low Medalist award, and Senior Medals were presented to Andy Poff, Justin Chandler, and Dustin Mathis. Anthony Tabb received the Coach Award.

Cheerleaders honored were (L-R) Victoria Newberry, Breche Roberts, Jodie Foster, LeAndra Kelley, Chelsea Freeman, Chelsea Larkins, Jordie King, Danielle Durham, Cassieta Coon, Kristy Watson, Ashley Spooner, Britney Franklin, and Danielle Collier. In this next sport, it has been seven years since MCHS has had a track team, and it is great to have it back. Coach Nate George and Coach Melanie Williams had approximately 65 students to come out for this sport, and the majority stuck to it, and they were glad that they did. Coach George thanked the MC Booster Club, Gary Shepard, Ms .Ginger Webster, Lyn and Ken Cooper, and Will and Tim Martin for their support and dedication. The girls' track team consisted of Olivia Andrews, Janay Ancheta, Syltoya Bush, Reva Butler, Danielle Collier, Cassietta Coon, Shannon Crankfield,Katrina Crankfield,Salina Diamond, Sukena Diamond, Ericka Benton, Laci Phillips, Jenna Phillips, Christy Daniels, Talisha Calloway, Shanlia Kelley and Samantha Martin. In the 4 x 100 Relay Sukena Diamond, Shannon Crankfield,Talisha Calloway, and Salina Diamond came in as region runners up. Salina Diamond was the region champion in the 400 Meter Dash, Shannon Crankfield was the region champion and came in eighth in the state finals in the 300 meter hurdles, and Katrina Crankfield was region runner-up.

The boys' track team consisted of Cosby Salters, Shawndre Sheffield,Anthony Thompson, Tony Grier, Trez Morgan, Terry Williams, Antravious Grant, Josh Rahymes, Josh Broxton, Christian Richardson, Philip Whitfield,Robert Baker, Zack Hill, Chris Williams, Shaq Edwards, Jeffrey King, Philip Mackey, Richaurd Sheffield,Will Martin, and David Barwick. Anthony Thompson AKA TWEETIE-BIRD qualified in the state finals running 11.1in the 100 meter race and came in over-all seventh in the State.

Coach Renza Israel was next on the program to recognize baseball players. Coach Israel stated, "We won 13 and lost 9 games." He then recognized two young men who came to Miller County High knowing that they would not be able to play this school year but were instrumental to the team, and they were Brett Snow and Jamie Addison. "I look forward to watching you two play next season," stated Coach Israel. Coach Awards were presented to Dalton Snipes and Zenario Shuler. Most Improved Awards were presented to Cody Philyaw and Jordan Kirkland. Outstanding Defensive Player Awards were presented to Shelton Pickle and Caleb Cunningham. Outstanding Offensive Player Awards were presented to Tyler Cox and Russell Hart. Outstanding Player Awards were presented to Alan Love and Nick Rawlings. All Region 1A West recipients were Alan Love, Tyler Cox, Russell Hart, and Nick Rawlings. Region 1A West Offensive Player of the Year was presented to senior- Alan Love. Alan hit fivehome runs.

Coach Robert and Marianne Melton were next on the program to present girls' basketball recognition. Coach Robert stated, "Last year we won six games, and this year we won 16 games, which goes to show hard work pays off. We beat Calhoun County twice, beat Pelham, and Atkinson County. We finished third in the region, and we have gone to state seven out of eight years since I have been here as coach. Team players consisted of Talisha Calloway, Shannon Crankfield, Reva Butler, Shatoya Bush, Christy Daniels, Katrina and Talisha Calloway. Team members making All Region Team were Shannon Crankfield First Team, Talisha Calloway Second Team and Christy Daniels Third Team. Coach Melton then presented the Best Rebound Award to Shannon Crankfield.

The Boys' Basketball team consisted of Trey Bush, Victor Johnson, Lorenzo Hayes, Colby Gilbert, Tony Grier, Chris Williams, Will Martin, Cosby Salters, Zenario Shuler, Trez Morgan, Juwan Jones, and Mikel Price. Senior plaques were presented to Victor Johnson and Trey Bush for four years of hard work and dedication to the game basketball. All-Region plaques were presented to Will Martin Region 1A First Team and Cosby Salters Region 1A Second Team. "We finished 12-4," stated Coach Martin. Victor Johnson presented a gift to Coach Martin for his dedication to the team.

Next Coach Martin recognized the Weightlifting team consisting of Andy Poff, David Barwick, Joseph Parker, Tony Grier, Robert Baker, Richaurd Sheffield, Jeffrey King, Caleb Long, Colby Gilbert, Will Martin, Shawndre Sheffield, Trez Morgan and Zack Roach. Jeffrey King received the 300 lb. bench and 400 lb. squat plaque, and his name was placed on the MCHS Big 10 Board for the 580 Squat which ranked King #4 and #9 in total pounds. Also Shawndre Sheffield received a plaque in weightlifting, squatting 565 pounds ranking him #6 on the MCHS Big 10 Board, and making Shawndre a state qualifier.

The last sport of the evening

was tennis under the coaching ability of Coach Cleve Roland and Coach Cleve Roland and Coach Julie Warren. Coach Cleve recognized the senior boys and presented each one with a Senior Award beginning with Matthew Tully, Dustin Mathis, Chase Widner and David Barwick. David Barwick and Matthew Tully were the #1 doubles and for the last two years have made it to the state play-offs. The #1 Singles was Wilkin Lane. The Spirit Award was presented to Caleb Whitaker; the Buddy Grimes Award was presented to Taylor Henry, and Brandon Mathis, Austin Dean and Marc Newberry were presented participation medals. Senior players presented a gift of appreciation to Coach Cleve for his dedication to the team.

Coach Julie Warren, girls' tennis coach was last on the program, and she stated that the best was last! The tennis team consisted of Erika Rigsby, Brooke Widner, Christina Tabb, LeAndra Kelley, Kelly Lane, Deana Barwick, Ashley Josey, Courtney Brownlee, and Amber Espinoza. Senior Award was presented to Erika Rigsby. The Buddy Grimes Award was presented to Kelly Lane, and the Most Improved Award and the Scholar Award were presented to LeAndra Kelley. Deana Barwick and Tarah Sloan were # 1 Doubles. Christina Tabb and Brooke Widner made First Team All-Region. Also Brooke Widner was presented the Rookie of the Year Award. Coach Warren was presented a gift from senior Erika Rigsby thanking her Coach for her dedication.

The Miller County Athletic Booster Club presented a small token of appreciation to all the seniors for their hard work to Miller County High. The 2008 senior athletes are David Barwick, Trey Bush, Talisha Calloway, Justin Chandler, Shay Crankfield, Britney Franklin, Allen George, Lorenzo Hayes, Victor Johnson, Frank Jones, Alan Love, Philip Markey, Dustin Mathis, Mindi Merritt, Joseph Parker, Andy Poff, Cameron Randle, Erika Rigsby, Jessica Roberts, Ashley Spooner, Anthony Tabb Mathew Tully, Kristy Watson, and Chase Widner.

Miller County High School Principal, Mrs. Ginger Webster thanked everyone, and she wished every one a great new school year coming in the fall. Senior Mindi Merritt gave the benediction, and the 2007-2008 Sports Banquet came to an end.

To 2008 seniors, I love you all, and I wish you all the best life has to offer, and to Miss Ginger Webster, thank you so much for your kind words. It meant a lot to me.

Editor's note: As you see, there is much love and appreciation from this Miller County Liberal Sport's writer, Glenda Bailey. She is not only a friend to the students at MCHS, but a writer who shows her love for the students and the school she works for. She is truly one of the gems that go over and beyond what is asked of her or required of her to help this school system. We at the Miller County Liberal thank her as do many of the students, parents and teachers.