For the week of November 12 - 18, 2003

Volleyball team’s
journey ends at
awards dinner

WRHS’s state runner-up squad

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All season long, Wood River High School volleyball coach Tim Richards talked about how the journey is more important than the destination.

Koree Hawkes, Wood River senior, earned the "Most Inspirational" honor at Saturday night’s banquet. Express photo by David N. Seelig

Saturday, Richards and about 120 others involved in the 2003 Wood River volleyball program celebrated the journey and the destination during the annual awards program at the high school commons.

"We’ve been trying to achieve excellence," said varsity coach Richards. "This is a night of celebration."

Richards said the three teams in the Wood River volleyball program achieved a combined record of 73-31. The varsity was 31-14, the junior varsity was 21-11 and freshmen were 21-6.

Wood River’s varsity placed second during the State 3A tournament in Coeur d’Alene Nov. 1. It was only the fifth time that the Wolverines had earned a berth in the state tournament title match.

In addition, Wood River earned the Sportsmanship trophy at the eight-school meet.

Making All-State tournament squads were Wood River co-captain Charli Lindley on the first team, plus Natalie Green and co-captain Liz Rippon on All-State second team.

Richards saluted the five Wolverine senior starters who made the All-Sawtooth Central Idaho Conference team. They were Lindley, Green, Rippon, Jessica King and Emily Smith.

Co-captain King was a three-time All-Conference selection and Wood River’s best all-around player, said Richards. She was the team leader in digs, service points, swings and kills—despite sitting out eight matches with an injured ankle early in the season.

The Most Improved award went to Natalie Green. Rippon was the team’s best passer and a "ball control wizard," Richards said. The assists leader was junior setter Rachael Richards.

The coveted Most Inspirational award went to senior Koree Hawkes.

The 2003 Coaches Awards went to the varsity squad’s three sophomores—Jamie Stone, Ryann Menges and Hannah Richards.

Junior varsity coach Gary Carr singled out a few of his players with special awards, including: Coach’s "110%" Award—Stephanie Yates. Most Improved—Kortnee King. Most Competitive—Jackie Safran.

Awards presented by freshman coach Dena Brunker were:

Most Inspirational—Elissa Baker. Team Captain—Kristen Miniard, the team’s strongest hitter. Most Valuable Player—Leah McIlhenny. Best setter—Jordan Scanlon. Best blocker—Kelsey Lidstrom. Best defensive player—Casey Vegwert. Best server—Esther Garza.

Among the special awards handed out were "Linesman of the Year," to Bill Green.

 

 

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