For the week of November 20 - 26, 2002

Here’s looking 
at you, kid

Community School honors fall athletes

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By JODY ZARKOS
Express Staff Writer

Cutthroats gathered in the Fish Tank last Tuesday to toast the fall athletic season.

The gangs all here. Erika Connelly, Jenny Ruthford, Morgan Arritola break for the ball after blocking a free kick against Minico ealier this season. Express photo by Willy Cook

Athletes were honored by their coaches and peers in three sports; soccer, volleyball and cross-country. As an added bonus, athletic director John Remington treated everyone to fun and useful facts about Ketchum and Payette.

Boys’ jayvee soccer coach Phil Huss started off the evening by recognizing his squad, which compiled a "solid" 3-4-1 record.

"They worked hard," Huss remarked.

Ben Roth was voted Most Improved. Goalie Luke Fostvedt, who made 50 saves in a tie against Wood River, was named Most Valuable Player. Connor Wade earned Most Inspirational. The Coach’s Award was given to Max Danielson.

First-year coaches Reamy Goodwin and Hilary Nickum guided the girl volleyball team to a 4-13 mark.

"We made huge strides individually and collectively," Goodwin said.

Sophomore Kylie Douglas was voted MVP by her teammates and was also given the Coach’s Award.

By unanimous vote, Most Improved went to Tesla Teitge. Simone Weisz was named Most Inspirational. In a season-long competition staged during practice, Annie Alcid was the first-half winner and Patty Ocampo the second-half winner.

Girls soccer coach Kelly Feldman said her team possessed "heart and guts and determination" epitomized by the Tom Petty song I Won’t Back Down.

"The girls have much to be proud of. It was a great year," Feldman said. The Cutthroats won their first-ever district title and played in two shootouts at the state tournament.

The Coach’s Award was given to senior co-captains Erika Connelly and Pauli Ochi.

"They elevated the level of play at practice and games," Feldman said.

Beezy Bates was Most Inspirational and Gussi Ochi Most Improved. Morgan Arritola and Jenny Rutherford were named next season’s captains.

Boys’ varsity soccer coach Richard Whitelaw, who is as sentimental as your grandfather’s watch, spoke earnestly about his 18-1 team, which placed third at state.

"Your sons and daughters are dedicated and hard-working athletes," Whitelaw said to the parents in attendance. He also saluted the seniors on his squad, which lost only two games in two years, as the "strength of our team."

Upperclassmen Chris Cook, Sean Higgins, Josh Sonneland and Ethan Weston scored 127 goals between them and won a state title in 1999.

Higgins, who surpassed Benji Hill to become the second-leading scorer (76 goals) in school history was aptly named Top Goal Scorer with 33 this season and had the Goal of the Year for his left-footed score against Payette at state.

Senior goalie Drew Detwiler of whom Whitelaw said, "his punctuality and dedication as a player epitomizes what a Cutthroat is," was given the Factor Award. Detwiler was also voted Most Inspirational.

Josh Sonneland, who started 74 games in his prep career, was named Most Valuable Player.

"He is the best player in our league and should be a great collegiate player," Whitelaw said.

Brett Watson was named Most Improved.

Most Valuable Player in the state tournament went to Taylor Rothgeb. Rothgeb was also named captain for next season.

In cross-country, Ben Luck was recognized for his effort and dedication as the only runner on the team this season.

 

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