Best Preps 2020

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
ESSENCE ALLEN
MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
DREW BELTRAN
presented by
Special Publication | Sunday, May 24, 2020
• The Marshall • News MesseNger
©2020 M. ROBERTS MEDIA


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Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 News-Journal.com
2020 LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL BEST PREPS NOMINEES
CAROLEE MUSIC AWARD FOR VOLLEYBALL
LaDeja George – Longview Sam Sommerfeld – Pine Tree Maci Plunk – Spring Hill Chloe Buchanan – Marshall Amy Thomas – Hallsville Alysa Hall – White Oak
Jada Abercrombie – Kilgore Graci Hart – Gladewater Ally Sewell – Ore City
Cami Hicks – Carthage Essence Allen – Tatum Micah Cobb – Trinity
April Jones – St. Mary’s
AWARD FOR BOYS POWERLIFTING
Colton Munoz – Pine Tree C.J. Fite – Tatum
AWARD FOR GIRLS POWERLIFTING
Reagan Reeves – White Oak Amiyah Colclough – Tatum
Abigail Archer – Longview Riley Edmondson – White Oak Katy Edens – Kilgore
Jacee Burks – Ore City
Kristin Smith – Tatum Caroline Deason – Trinity
AWARD FOR ATHLETIC TRAINER
Ariana Mojica-Luna – Pine Tree Itzel Arellano – Carthage
AWARD FOR BOYS SWIMMING
Braden Nickel – Longview Dawson Shelton – Pine Tree
AWARD FOR GIRLS SWIMMING
Gracie Ponder – Longview Ainsley Daugbjerg – Pine Tree
Zion Stanley – Longview
Kenny Bradshaw – Pine Tree Joseph Melendez – Hallsville Carson Roling – White Oak
Jose Lopez – Ore City De’Aundrey Bowman – Carthage DeCartiyay Allison – Tatum Caed Liebengood – Trinity Dominic Tucker – St. Mary’s
Meshia Shead – Longview Antranae Thomas – Pine Tree Ashlee Blake – Spring Hill Kelci Wilson – Hallsville Alysa Hall – White Oak Zamoria McGrue – Carthage Essence Allen – Tatum
Emily Sparks – Trinity Rebecca Dunn – St. Mary’s
Cade Bruce – Longview Marshall Daugbjerg – Pine Tree Luke Ummel – White Oak Graham Skinner – Tatum
Rhett Sellers – Trinity
Jack Blalock – St. Mary’s
Laney Gruppi – Longview Chloe Chandler – Pine Tree Meredith Smith – White Oak Kalen White – Tatum
Sophie Cook – Trinity Evelynrose Harouff – St. Mary’s
Keaton King – Longview Trenton Wayne – Pine Tree Easton Cole Loyd – Hallsville Micah Gibson – White Oak Jayce McFarland – Kilgore Brett Britton – Gilmer
Cade Medlin – New Diana Jackson Blissett – Carthage Luke Lister – Tatum
Jaden Ayala – Trinity
Zekyia Robinson – Longview Taitum Barry – Pine Tree Samantha Schott – Spring Hill Molly Danna – Hallsville
Kelsi Wingo – White Oak Kristen Wilson – Kilgore Laci Harris – Gilmer Heather Zook – New Diana Graci Hart – Gladewater Jade Draper – Ore City Kinsley Ingram – Carthage Anna Halton – Tatum
Keilan Carr – Longview
Ethan Hunter – Pine Tree Kalen Barlow – Spring Hill Tanner McKinney – White Oak Cameron Jackson – Kilgore Sixto Mendez – Trinity
Angell Evans – Longview Tashianna Gray – Pine Tree
A’zaria Jones – Spring Hill Natalie Reed – White Oak Maliyah Holland – Kilgore Ramaya Davis – Tatum Hayner Boorman – Trinity
David Soria – Longview Blake Couch – Pine Tree Kalen Barlow – Spring Hill Christian Derr – Hallsville John Langley – White Oak Austin Bain – Kilgore Michael Lewis – Gladewater Brian Hawkins – Tatum
Isabel Breaux – Longview Tashianna Gray Pine Tree Kayla Vanderburg – Marshall Bethany Rogers – Hallsville Morgan Benge – White Oak Emma Taylor – Kilgore
Yuvia Vazquez – Tatum Georgia Scott – Trinity Gabriela Garcia – St. Mary’s
Raul Torrez, Jr. – Longview Brandt Herber – Pine Tree Nathan Hammett – Spring Hill Mason Morris – Hallsville Shooter Stevenson – Carthage Elian Arreola – Tatum
Caroline Henderson – Longview Carolyn Hale – Hallsville
Sarah Loomis – Kilgore
THE CHRIS DAVIS AWARD FOR BASEBALL SPONSORED BY WHATABURGER
AWARD FOR BOYS BASKETBALL SPONSORED BY TEXAS REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES
THE JENILEE SKENDER AWARD FOR SOFTBALL SPONSORED BY KEEBAUGH & COMPANY
THE NATALIE BACH-PRATHER AWARD FOR BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
THE NATALIE BACH-PRATHER AWARD FOR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
THE EVELYN BLALOCK AWARD FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
AWARD FOR CHEERLEADING SPONSORED BY EASTMAN CREDIT UNION
THE DICK WILLIAMS AWARD FOR BOYS GOLF
THE CRISTIAN MONREAL AWARD FOR BOYS SOCCER
THE KENTA BELL AWARD FOR BOYS TRACK & FIELD
THE DICK WILLIAMS AWARD FOR GIRLS GOLF
THE CRISTIAN MONREAL AWARD FOR GIRLS SOCCER SPONSORED BY CHICK-FIL-A
THE KENTA BELL AWARD FOR GIRLS TRACK & FIELD SPONSORED BY CUBBY HOLE OF TEXAS SELF STORAGE


News-Journal.com
Alayna Plumlee – Carthage Karisma Estrada – Tatum
Matthew Nguyen – Longview Camden Salser – Pine Tree Carson Barnhill – Spring Hill Trace Brooks – Hallsville
John Langley – White Oak Kenton Worsham – Carthage Camp Stevens – Trinity Dominic Tucker – St. Mary’s
Simran Kortikere – Longview Cambrie Salser – Pine Tree Maylea Malloy – Spring Hill Brinkley Bounds – Hallsville Natalie Reed – White Oak Taylor Barton – Carthage Ella Stevens – Trinity Rebecca Dunn – St. Mary’s
Drew Beltran – Longview Gabe Adams – Pine Tree Gage White – Spring Hill
Dale Dawes – Hallsville Tanner McKinney – White Oak Scott Silvey – Kilgore
Bladen Collom – Gilmer William Leslie – New Diana Zachary Villarreal – Gladewater Ty Freeman – Ore City Desmund Hicks – Carthage Klein Bradbury – Tatum
Marlin Reeves – Trinity
Isaac Edwards – Harmony
Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 3 Best Preps salutes outstanding student-athletes
THE BUTCH CLAY AWARD
FOR BOYS TENNIS SPONSORED BY TEXAS BANK AND TRUST
It’s safe to say most East Texas sports fans and athletes have never witnessed a school year like
2019-2020.
A year that started with such great
promise and featured another state football championship coming back to the Pineywoods and another volleyball team punching its ticket to the state tournament, came to an abrupt halt in March.
Schools shut down for spring break, and before most of the students and teachers tore out of the parking lot, signs went up on campuses across the state and nation telling them to stay gone.
The COVID—19 pandemic cheated spring sports athletes out of the chance to represent their schools and communities at various district, regional and state competitions. The closing of campuses didn’t allow for closure.
“Normal” went out the window, but one thing didn’t change.
The student/athletes in East Texas continued to shine in their chosen sports, in the classroom and in the community.
To that end, the Longview News-Journal and ETvarsity.com decided to continue the tradition of honoring these student/athletes by presenting the sixth annual Best Preps Awards.
This year’s event looked different than previous versions. Instead of honoring athletes in person at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center, the event was held online due to social distancing guidelines.
The process of nominating student/athletes and selecting the winners didn’t change.
Coaches from participating schools were asked to submit nominations based on the student/athlete’s contributions on the field, in the classroom and in the community. The nominees were required to be varsity athletes, have a GPA of 3.0 or better and to have verifiable community service or volunteer credentials of 10 or more hours in the current year.
Once coaches nominated the student/athlete a panel of judges poring through the list and selected one overall winner from each sport along with specialty awards – Heart and Desire, Going the Extra Mile, Outstanding Achievement in Academics, Sportsmanship, Community Excellence, Coach of the Year, Athletic Director of the Year and Male and Female Athletes of the Year.
Congratulations to our honored student/athletes and coaches. We’re proud to recognize you, and we thank you for providing a shining example during troubled times.
Also, a big thank you to our sponsors...
– Jack Stallard
[email protected]
THE BUTCH CLAY AWARD
FOR GIRLS TENNIS SPONSORED BY TEXAS BANK AND TRUST
THE BOBBY TAYLOR AWARD FOR FOOTBALL SPONSORED BY EASTMAN CREDIT UNION


4 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
CAROLEE MUSICK AWARD FOR VOLLEYBALL
maci plunk
SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.35
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She was a great leader on the volleyball team and is also a captain on the soccer team. Our volleyball team had some injuries, and I had to call on her to play many different roles on the team. Whatever position I asked her to do, she did it willingly.”
“She had a great attitude throughout the season and helped change the culture of the team from a team last year that seemed to have given up to a competitive team that would fight hard every match.”


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 5
MROBERTSDIGITAL.COM | [email protected] | 903-596-6355
TO ALL! TO ALL!


6 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
AWARD FOR BOYS POWERLIFTING
c.j. fite
TATUM HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“In his first year to train in the weight room, C.J. amassed numbers that not only exceeded expectation for a Freshman, but for those of his upperclassmen peers. In his first year of competition, he competed in the toughest class, Super Heavies, and was able to qualify for regional competition while compiling a 1380 pound total for three lifts. Not bad for a 15 year old first timer.”
“Through almost 40 years in the coaching profession, I have had the privilege to coach some incredible youngsters. ...none more so than him.”
“His accomplishments in the athletic arena as a freshman rival the best efforts of most seniors, and those feats pale in comparison to the qualities he displays as a young man.”


News-Journal.com
Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 7
AWARD FOR GIRLS POWERLIFTING
reagan reeves
WHITE OAK HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.36
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She is an outstanding student and athlete. She shows up to practice every day with a smile on her face and a great work ethic. She is a high character young woman and is respected greatly by her team and classmates.”
In addition to Powerlifting, she is a district track team champion and a member of Student Council.
Presented by red carpet sponsor


8 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
EASTMAN CREDIT UNION AWARD
LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.94
News-Journal.com
FOR CHEERLEADING
Abigail Archer
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She has been a captain for four years starting as a freshman, a position selected by judges but also voted on by her peers. She not only stepped up to this very difficult challenge by making sure the entire squad of 50 other cheerleaders, mascots and managers are kept in order, but also makes sure everyone stays in order with their community service.”
“She is a strong leader, and as a coach, she makes me wish I had 30 more just like her.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 9
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10 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
AWARD FOR STUDENT TRAINER
itzel arellano
CARTHAGE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.4
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She has done an outstanding job taking care of the football team for the past three seasons. She is dependable, dedicated and hard working. If something needs to be done, I can count on her to get the job done right and on time. She takes pride in her work and leads by example. She also excels in the classroom and has great character.”
“She is an ideal student, and I am grateful she chose to be involved with athletic training.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


News-Journal.com
Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 11
AWARD FOR BOYS SWIMMING
Dawson Shelton
PINE TREE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.06
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“His work ethic and heart are truly one of a kind. He has grown to be an integral part of our team. He has the components that make up a great student/athlete. He is constantly reading, learning and watching training material on becoming a better swimmer, and he brings that passion to the pool and loves teaching his teammates new techniques and strategies he has learned. His teammates naturally gravitate to him and have the utmost respect for him.”
“His natural leadership will serve him well in the next chapter
arines.”
with the M
Presented by red carpet sponsor


12 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
AWARD FOR GIRLS SWIMMING
Ainsley Daugbjerg
PINE TREE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.65
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She is the ultimate student/athlete and is able to manage multiple commitments and still be a vital component to our swim team. She had a shoulder injury at the beginning of the season, requiring several hours of therapy and a few restrictions placed on her training. But she was determined not to let her injury take away her senior season, continued to push throughout the season and earned spot on all three of our relays. She is also very successful out of the water as well. She has launched a few reputable organizations and always has time to give.”
“She has a servant’s heart and willing spirit.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


News-Journal.com
Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 13
EVELYN BLALOCK AWARD FOR GIRLS BASKETBALL
kelci wilson
HALLSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She is a resilient young woman that has faced a lot of injuries but has been able to overcome that adversity her senior year. She is a natural leader with a kind, caring heart for those around her. She leads by supporting other programs. I have seen her with a painted face at the football games, in the stands cheering on volleyball and out in the sun supporting softball and yelling for her teammates on the track. She is a woman of character who is reliable, honest and full of integrity.”
“No matter what area of life she steps into, she brings energy to fuel and lights up those around her.”


14 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
AWARD FOR BOYS BASKETBALL SPONSORED BY TEXAS REAL ESTATE EXECUTIVES
jose lopez
ORE CITY HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.93
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“He is a young man of marvelous character and has so many wonderful attributes. In the classroom, he is always prepared and focused. His teachers rave about his work ethic, leadership and critical thinking abilities. On the field and court, he is a joy to coach. He is someone who is truly accountable and leads our athletic program both vocally and by example. He works tirelessly in the weight room and track to develop himself into the athlete he desires to be, and never sees himself as a finished product – always looking for ways to get better and improve.”
“Simply put, this young man is the cream of the crop and a future leader of our wonderful country.”


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 15
“Every next level of your life will demand a different you.”
Congratulations Best Preps Nominees
Heather Kelly
Broker/Owner
Proud Sponsor of Best Preps 2020


16 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
DICK WILLIAMS AWARD FOR BOYS GOLF
Rhett Sellers
TRINITY SCHOOL OF TEXAS | GPA: 4.0
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“He is the team leader, a two-time individual state champion and has helped lead the team to championships three straight years. He is always there to help younger golfers.”
“He’s also a member of the school’s
state championship basketball team, and has signed to play golf at Rutgers University.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


News-Journal.com
Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 17
DICK WILLIAMS AWARD FOR GIRLS GOLF
evelynrose harouff
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL | GPA: 3,67
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She is willing to pass on knowledge of the sport to underclassmen, has a great attitude, is very coachable and takes instruction with a smile. She always has practice gear and is ready to work.”
“She is dedicated to becoming great.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


18 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
CHRIS DAVIS AWARD FOR BASEBALL
News-Journal.com
SPONSORED BY WHATABURGER
keaton king
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.1
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“Keaton has been a varsity baseball player for four years at Longview and a three year starter for me. He is someone our entire team looks up to. He works tirelessly year round to make himself the best possible player.”
“He exemplifies every aspect a coach dreams of having in a player. He’s a team leader, a ireless worker and a total team player.”


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 19
WE’RE
Proud to Serve
MORE THAN JUST MEALS
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20 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
JENILEE SKENDER AWARD FOR SOFTBALL
News-Journal.com
SPONSORED BY KEEBAUGH & COMPANY
kelsi wingo
WHITE OAK HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.32
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
“Not only is she a very talented player on our team, she also brings so much more to the table. Even though she is only a junior, she is a great leader on and off the field. There have been many occasions where she has offered to work with underclassmen after practice or on her own time on the weekends. She took our exchange student from Spain under her wing this year and helped show her how to play the game of softball. She is very coachable and always does her very best, and she is someone I trust to always put the team first.”
“Since our season has been put on hold due to the Coronavirus, she has organized small group practices and initiated the creation of a cool video of them throwing a softball to each other in individual clips. That video has been viewed over 6,000 times on Facebook.”
WHAT HER COACH SAID


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 21
Congratulations to the 2020 Best Preps Student Athletes
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22 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
KENTA BELL AWARD FOR GIRLS TRACK & FIELD
News-Journal.com
SPONSORED BY CUBBY HOLE OF TEXAS
tashianna gray
PINE TREE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.9
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
“Tashi is an extremely hard worker who participates in Drill Team, Book Club, UIL Academic team, Cross Country and Track & Field. Her commitment and leadership in all these extra-curricular activities never slows her down from serving her community. She volunteers at the Longview Dream Center every week.”
“She’s an exceptional student athlete and
a great team leader that will do whatever is necessary to help her team. She takes AP classes and is very involved with her church and also holds a part-time job. She will be missed next year.”
WHAT HER COACH SAID


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 23
Congratulations 2020 Best Preps Nominees
The Future Holds Much in Store!
Susan and Bill Bartlemay, Owners
FAMILY OWNED FOR OVER 20 YEARS
Cubby Hole Texas Self Storage
2502 N. Eastman Road • Longview, TX 75605 903-757-7007 • www.storagelongviewtx.com Self-Storage U-Haul Rentals Moving Supplies


24 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
KENTA BELL AWARD FOR BOYS TRACK & FIELD
cameron jackson
KILGORE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.21
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“He is an outstanding young man, not only on the track, but also in the classroom. He maintains a 3.21 GP A on a scale of 4.0, is involved in several clubs including choir, Voices of Soul, African American Student Association and the Health Science Club. He has also worked very closely with the NAACP and the Department of Justice to end racial discrimination in schools and different workplaces. He’s a coach’s dream not only for the speed he possesses, but his incredible work ethic.”
“He’s very coachable and responsible, and can always be counted on to do the right thing.”


News-Journal.com
Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 25 NATALIE BACH-PRATHER AWARD
FOR BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Kalen Barlow
SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.5
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“Kalen’s hard work has paid off for him, allowing him to set the school record in the 5K and winning district. This also allowed us as a team to be successful, winning district and regionals as well as placing 7th in state.”
“He exemplifies what a coach wants in his or her athletes. He is a positive role model, encouraging and dependable and always putting in extra work.”


26 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 News-Journal.com NATALIE BACH-PRATHER AWARD
FOR GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Kayla Vanderburg
MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.29
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She has always been a shining example of what a student athlete should be. She has an amazing work ethic, a super positive attitude and over the years has developed into a very strong team leader. She is in the top one percent of her class and has become a campus leader as well as a team leader.”
“In 37 years of coaching, I have never been around a more positive, cheerful and energetic athlete and one who has spread those attributes to those around her.”


News-Journal.com
Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 27
CRISTIAN MONREAL AWARD FOR BOYS SOCCER
Raul Torrez
LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.56
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“I have been a coach here for 17 years, and have never had a kid that was so dedicated and enthusiastic about his performance and that of his teammates. His enthusiasm is infectious, and he has such a positive impact in the locker room and on the field.”
“He is a natural leader, an outstanding, talented athlete and a wonderful presence in the classroom.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


28 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 News-Journal.com CRISTIAN MONREAL AWARD FOR GIRLS SOCCER
SPONSORED BY CHICK-FIL-A
Caroline Henderson
LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.04
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“Caroline is an exceptional young lady. She is the soccer team captain. She was Academic All District in 2019 and is Academic All State in2020. SheisaLongviewViewetteandinthe International Baccalaureate program.”
“On the field
she always provides a spark or an encouraging word to get her teammates to perform at their highest level. She refers to the team as her girls.”


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 29
PROUDLY SUPPORTS BEST PREPS!


30 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 News-Journal.com BUTCH CLAY AWARD FOR BOYS TENNIS
SPONSORED BY TEXAS BANK AND TRUST
Carson Barnhill
SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.67
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“He is an exceptional student athlete, excelling in the classroom and on the court. He leads by example, showing some of the best work ethic I’ve seen from a player in 10 years coaching tennis. He is known in the community for being a person of good character. He has worked hard to improve his skill and is always willing to fill whatever need the team has, even when that prevents him from playing in his preferred spot.”
“I expect great things from him going forward, both in high school and
after.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 31
BUTCH CLAY
AWARD i TENNIS Sponsored by Texas Bank and Trust
–––––––––– B O Y S T E N N I S CARSON BARNHILL
Spring Hill High School TRACE BROOKS
Hallsville High School
JOHN LANGLEY
White Oak High School
MATTHEW NGUYEN
Longview High School
N O M I N E E S –––––––––– CAMDEN SALSER
Pine Tree High School
CAMP STEVENS
Trinity School of Texas
DOMINIC TUCKER
St. Mary’s Catholic School
KENTON WORSHAM
Carthage High School


32 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
BUTCH CLAY AWARD FOR GIRLS TENNIS
News-Journal.com
SPONSORED BY TEXAS BANK AND TRUST
Brinkley Bounds
HALLSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.33
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“As a student/athlete, she has excelled in many areas of life. As a teammate, she can truly be counted on as a leader. She is known for being someone who can bring the team together and help provide a lot of energy and atmosphere within our culture.”
“She is an outstanding role model for our young athletes, clearly demonstrating
that by her many
service
Presented by red carpet sponsor
community hours.”


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 33
BUTCH CLAY
AWARD i TENNIS Sponsored by Texas Bank and Trust
–––––––––– G I R L S T E N N I S TAYLOR BARTON
Carthage High School
BRINKLEY BOUNDS
Hallsville High School
REBECCA DUNN
St. Mary’s Catholic School
SIMRAN KORTIKERE
Longview High School
N O M I N E E S –––––––––– MAYLEA MALLOY
Spring Hill High School
NATALIE REED
White Oak High School
CAMBRIE SALSER
Pine Tree High School
ELLA STEVENS
Trinity School of Texas


34 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
BOBBY TAYLOR AWARD FOR FOOTBALL
News-Journal.com
SPONSORED BY EASTMAN CREDIT UNION
Drew Beltran
LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.479
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“He exemplifies every positive attribute of a high school student athlete. Not only is he a multi-sport standout on the field of competition and in the classroom with a class rank of 42 out of 524, he’s a positive young leader in the community. Whether it is his numerous volunteer efforts as a member of the National Honor Society, International Baccalaureate Program and UIL Academic teams or hours spent painting fire hydrants downtown and building wheelchair ramps.”
“He represents the best of the best for Longview youth.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 35
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36 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
LYNZEE FORD AWARD FOR HEART AND DESIRE
chloe buchanan
MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.98
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“High school has been an incredibly hard journey for her. During her sophomore year, she unexpectedly had to deal with the loss of her mother. Though it felt unbearable because her mother loved to watch her compete, she continued to play the sports she loved. Her junior year, she was sliding into home plate and suffered a season-ending injury. Thankfully, she was able to contribute to our success in volleyball. She is a true depiction of what a student/athlete should be. She is willing to server everyone else before herself and still maintain excellence. She has participated in many different programs, including volleyball, softball, band, Future Farmers of America, National Honor Society, Anchor Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, while still holding a rank of seventh in her class.”
“Her volunteer work includes vacation bible school, tutoring elementary students in
STARR subjects, working the homecoming carnival booth, working with special Olympics, doing two blood drives with the National Honor Society
and making corsages and boutonnieres for A Night to Shine – a prom night experience for special needs students.”


News-Journal.com
Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 37
AWARD FOR GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Carson Roling
WHITE OAK HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.3
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“His volunteer work includes helping build a friendship bench with National Honor Society, four-year member of the Worship Team at his church, greeting high school and elementary students to represent the basketball team and National Honor Society, concession worker for the White Oak baseball association – all while participating in basketball four years, football, baseball and track three years, band one year and the fishing team one year.”
“He is a unique young man. He is such a selfless person who constantly puts the needs of others before his own. He is the emotional leader of our very young basketball team, and he made sure to pick up guys who had transportation issues all season long.”


38 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
News-Journal.com
AWARD FOR COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE
Simran Kortikere
LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.16
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She is by far the most talented tennis player I have ever coached, but character-wise she is coachable, committed, has good friendship traits and is super competitive and supportive of her teammates. She is easy to work with and loves being around others.”
On top of winning more than 150 matches during her high school career, this University of Texas-bound player will graduate third out of 524 students in her class while currently volunteering at Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian, Martha’s Kitchen, Highway 80 Rescue Mission, Diagnostic Clinic of Longview.”
She is involved in UNICEF Club, National Honor Society, Texas Bank Student Board, Student Council, Zonta, Ambucs, Terps Club, Economics Club and Hearts Club. And, she is a first-degree black belt in Taekwondo.


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 39
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40 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
EAST TEXAS PROFESSIONAL CREDIT UNION
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AWARD FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Molly Danna
Presented by
red carpet sponsor
HALLSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 5.1
WHAT HER COACH SAID
She is ranked No. 23 at her school and finished in the top 20 percent of her senior class. She is a Distinguished Graduate, an Honor Graduate, a three-year academic all-district selection and a member of the National Honor Society with a 5.1 grade point average.
“She is not someone you will constantly read about or see her stats above everyone else’s, but she is a key component to the success of our program and will be greatly missed in the years to follow.”
“She has been
a huge part of building our program and creating the culture and legacy of accepting nothing less than greatness.”


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 41
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42 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
CHEVROLET CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM FIAT
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AWARD FOR SPORTSMANSHIP
Gage White
SPRING HILL HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 3.7
WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“A four-year starter at quarterback for his team, he signed with Central Arkansas University. He carried a 3.7 GPA at his school and found time to volunteer on Fabulous Friday’s at the local elementary school, Little League Football, Senior Cleanup Day and the local food bank. He is an outstanding athlete, but I am nominating him for the type of person he is off the field. He is a true leader that cares about others more than himself.”
“He is by far the best kid I have ever coached and will do great things in life.”
Presented by red carpet sponsor


News-Journal.com Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 43


44 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
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ATHLETIC DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Scott Surratt
CARTHAGE HIGH SCHOOL
For the seventh time in the past 13 seasons, the football program brought home a state championship. It’s almost a surprise when that doesn’t happen now for a coach that has compiled a 165-28 record at the school. But the athletic success wasn’t limited to the football field. The volleyball team advanced to the UIL State Tournament. The boys and girls basketball teams both won bi-district playoff games. Girl’s powerlifting qualified a lifter for the regional tournament. Boys cross country qualified for the UIL State Meet as a team, and the baseball team was off to a 10-3 start when the season
the Coronavirus
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was halted due to pandemic.


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Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 45
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kayla Whatley
HALLSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
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It doesn’t always work out when a former player returns to a school as a coach, but things have worked out pretty well for this school – in volleyball and softball. She was a standout in volleyball and softball in high school, and later became a Hall of Fame softball player at the University of Arkansas- Monticello. She returned to the school as head volleyball coach and compiled a 117-42 record on the court. When the school needed a new head softball coach, she returned to the diamond and has kept one of the state’s top programs moving head full throttle. She is 89-33 since taking over the softball program in 2017, and this year’s team was off to a 13- 4-1 start overall and a 2-0 start in district play before the season was halted due to the Coronavirus pandemic.


46 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020
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LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL AWARD FOR MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Drew Beltran
LONGVIEW HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.79
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WHAT HIS COACH SAID
“He is bright, energetic, compassionate and well-respected among his peers. During his football career, he was selected to the All- District, All-East Texas and All-State teams after his senior season. As a student, he has earned honor roll with distinction every grading period in high school as well as being ranked No. 42 out of 524seniors in the Class of 2020. He holds a 4.4792 GPA while participating in football, baseball, powerlifting, UIL Academics and our International Baccalaureate program. In addition to the activities at school, he participates in several clubs and organizations in the area as well as performing many hours of community service with the Boys and Girls Club of Longview, Newgate Mission and the Asbury House School.”
On the football field,
he turned into one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the state, recording 64 tackles, 11 sacks, 27 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.


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Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 47
LONGVIEW NEWS-JOURNAL AWARD FOR FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Essence Allen
TATUM HIGH SCHOOL | GPA: 4.0
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WHAT HER COACH SAID
“She is a one of a kind athlete, not just on the athletic/academic side, but finding time to give back to the community. She never misses anything. That is a lot to be said when you are involved in volleyball, basketball, track, golf, softball, cheer and are in the top 10 percent of your class. To be involved in all of that and still find time to volunteer is simply amazing.”
Nominated by her coaches in volleyball and basketball, she might well have been the school’s nominee in track and softball had those seasons been allowed to continue. She played in just six softball games after joining the team late, but hit .500 with five RBI, seven stolen bases and 30 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched. That came after earning district MVP honors in basketball, where she averaged 20 points, nine rebounds, five steals and four assists while recording her 1,500th point of her career. But volleyball is her main sport, and she signed a national letter-of-intent with Texas A&M-Commerce after a season that saw her help lead the team to the regional tournament for the first time in 12 seasons. She was the district MVP, All-East Texas MVP and was named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association, Texas Sports Writers Association and Texas Association of Volleyball Coaches All-State Teams after recording 601 kills, 453 digs, 179 assists, 92 blocks and 90 aces.
She’s also a two- time All-American cheerleader.


48 Longview News-Journal, May 24, 2020 News-Journal.com