Group photo of all the CCHS Athletic Award winners and participants. Nicholas L. M. Allen photo.
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Jun 26, 2024
The CCHS community gathered the evening of June 20 to honour the achievements of their student-athletes.
The Crowsnest Consolidated High School (CCHS) community gathered the evening of June 20 to honour the achievements of their student-athletes during the annual Athletic Awards ceremony. The event, held in the school gymnasium, began at 6 p.m. and celebrated a year of hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship across a wide array of sports.
In a message printed in the program, the school administration expressed gratitude to the staff, parents, and community members who have tirelessly supported the school’s athletic programs.
“These programs are vital in promoting physical health, teamwork, and discipline among our students,” the message read, “Participation in school sports programs also fosters essential life skills such as leadership, perseverance, and cooperation. Tonight, we gather as a school community to celebrate all of our athletes and to express our gratitude to the staff and volunteers who have supported these students over the last school year.”
Teacher Mathew Hennig, along with the Crowsnest Consolidated Athletic and Academic Society, warmly welcomed the attendees. Hennig introduced the coaches, who took turns presenting awards to standout athletes from various sports including senior golf, cross country running, volleyball, basketball, badminton, track and field, and baseball.
After the individual awards for each sport were handed out, there were four “major” awards given out with special guest presenters.
The first was the Goodwin Junior High Athlete of the Year Award, given to the male and female students who are selected as the most outstanding Junior High Athlete. The characteristics that are recognized in achieving this award include showing leadership, sportsmanship, dedication and a high level of performance and ability in each sport they play. Winners must also meet CCHS academic standards. Winners were Cohen Folkard and Sophie Gibbony-Stafford
The Jim Strandquist Memorial Award, donated by the Strandquist family, is in memory of the former CCHS student who excelled in curling and basketball. The award is presented to a member of the Senior Boys Basketball team who shows the most sportsmanship and dedication the entire season. Winner was Owen Smith.
The Academic Athlete of the Year Award, also known as the Rick Sygutek/Martin Graf Memorial Award was presented by Quinn Douglas on behalf of the Sygutek family. The award is in memory of Martin Graf, a former CCHS student who excelled in music and curling, and fellow CCHS student Rick Sygutek who also excelled in music and participated in the intramural program and played volleyball. This award honours a male and female student who have done well in sports and school activities while keeping a high academic standing. Winners were Owen Smith and Alex Mertz presented by Quinn Douglas on behalf of the Sygutek family.
The final award was the Frank Capron Senior High Athlete of the Year Award presented by Dave Vigna. This award is given to a female and male student selected as the most outstanding senior high athlete. Recipients may be selected from Grades 10 through 12. Winners were Colin Pitt and Neleta Crombie. Presented by David Vigna on behalf of the Capron family.
Throughout the ceremony, the recurring theme was one of community support and the indomitable spirit of the student-athletes. The CCHS Athletic Awards celebrated both individual and team achievements, and underscored the collective effort of coaches, parents, volunteers, and the students themselves.
