Fort High recognizes student athletes

By Chris Spangler

Fort Atkinson High School recognized students who excelled in sports in 2021-22 during the spring athletic awards program Monday evening.

The event in the school auditorium was preceded with the Fort Atkinson Fire Department ushering the state-qualifying and championship track team members to the school in honor of their success at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association’s State Track and Field Championships last week.

That included a first-place Division 1 victory for the girls’ 4×800 relay team.

Master of ceremonies for the program was athletic director Steve Mahoney, assisted by Ryan Gerber, head wrestling coach; Brian Bosch, physical education teacher; and Miranda Cottrell, Athletic Department administrative assistant.

Voted on by the coaches, Natalie Kammer and Drew Evans were named Athletes of the Year.

Mahoney shared comments by head girls’ golf Coach Jerry Shoup:

“Natalie exemplifies what a student-athlete should be,” he said. “Despite missing numerous days for golf and appointments, Natalie has done well in the classroom to prepare her for college.

“For golf, she was a tremendous leader as a captain,” according to Shoup. “She made sure all the girls had rides to and from practice. She definitely led by example in practice and on the course. And, of course, her play on the course speaks for itself making it to sectionals.

“What’s most impressive is doing all of these things despite having difficulty with her health … incredible,” he added. “Natalie’s presence will definitely be missed by the team and by the coach, but her effect on the team will not be.  Good Luck in college, Natalie!”

Mahoney shared head track Coach Dennis Schwedrsky’s thoughts about Evans.

“Over the last four years, this athlete has amassed a truly remarkable athletic resume,” he said. “Competing as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and track and field, he has earned multiple all-conference honors, won individual and team conference championships, shattered school records that had existed for decades, and qualified for state multiple times in multiple events, most recently finishing second at the state championship.

“But what is most noteworthy is that he is also the first athlete to help carry equipment to and from the bus, support a struggling teammate and enthusiastically celebrate the successes of others,” the coach added. “In short, he is the epitome of what it means to be a student-athlete.”

The Coach of the Year Award, selected by the student-athletes, was presented to head boys’ basketball Coach Mike Hintz.

“This year’s recipient has been a coach of a program since 2009,” Mahoney said in announcing the honor. “Since this time, this coach has created an exceptional youth program, and our current successes at the high school are created by building from the ground up.”

He noted that this senior class is the first group to go all the way through the youth program.

“I have watched this coach grow every year through the highs and lows of coaching,” Mahoney continued. “This coach is thought of as a second parent to many by the relationships he’s built and the actions he’s taken.”

He recalled that the boys’ basketball team battled injury and started the season 2-6. However, staying positive and focused, the team rallied to go 12-4 over the next 16 games, giving Fort Atkinson 14 wins, the most wins since the 2001-02 season.

“This is a reflection of this coach’s leadership by getting student athletes to buy in,” Mahoney said. “He is an exceptional teacher, coach and someone I am proud to call a friend.” 

Drew Evans and Jada Zorn were presented WIAA Scholar-Athlete Awards.

“In order to be eligible for these awards, a student-athlete must be a second-semester senior, must have a cumulative gradepoint average (GPA) of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) for classwork completed in the ninth-, 10th-, 11th- and the first semester of their 12th-grade school years, and must have earned at least four varsity letters, through athletic participation, in a sport or sports sanctioned by the WIAA,” Bosch said in presenting the awards.

He noted that Evans competed in football, basketball and track and field while posting a gradepoint average of 3.8. 

Zorn competed in cross-country and track while earning a gradepoint average of 3.93.

Bosch presented the Badger Conference Scholar-Athlete Awards to Kiara Wolfram and Logan Recob.

Wolfram competed in basketball while earning a 3.93 GPA.

Recob, who competed in football and swimming, earned a 3.85 GPA.

Blackhawk Scholar-Athlete Awards went to 17 students.

“To be eligible, you must have earned four letters and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better,” Bosch said.

The honorees are, with their cumulative GPA noted: Carson Baker, 3.5745; Lily Belzer, 3.894; Brayden Brown, 3.6336; Scott Buchta, 3.7738; Sophie Chapman, 3.6936; Cade Cosson, 3.7617; Evan Dudzek, 3.7802; Drew Evans, 3.8098; Hope Heagney, 3.7223; Natalie Kammer, 3.742; Kat Kessler, 3.9153; Callie Krause, 3.6528; Laura Peterson, 3.8506; Logan Recob, 3.8538; Reid Selle, 3.8338; Alexandra Theriault, 3.837; Nolan Zachgo, 3.8936; Braden Traxler, 3.9123; and Jada Zorn, 3.931.

Mahoney presented Blackhawk Distinguished Athlete Awards to Lily Belzer and Cade Cosson.

“This recognition is awarded to an unsung varsity athlete based on citizenship, athletic leadership and character, and is voted on by the coaches,” he said.

He noted that swimming Coach Evan Hill stated that Belzer is a fantastic student athlete. 

“Through her time as a member of the Fort Atkinson Blackhawk swim team, she has developed many great qualities, such as leadership, determination, and optimism,” Hill said. “Lily was one of the better team captains that I have had since my time as head coach.

He continued: “After her ALC injury her sophomore year, she was extremely determined to get back to being able to not only swim, but also back for basketball season.

“Finally, Lily is one of the most optimistic athletes that I have had the pleasure of coaching. If she isn’t having the best meet, she will always find a way to keep moving on with a positive attitude and will be there to support her teammates,” he concluded.

Mahoney also shared what head boys’ basketball Coach Mike Hintz said about Cosson.

“From the very first minute you arrived in our high school, you have been the same calming presence these programs have needed through the struggles to get us to the successes of this past school year,” he said to Cosson. “You never say a word (though we wish you would more often), the way you carried yourself, the interactions you have with others and the leadership you provided on a daily basis will be greatly missed.”

The coach continued: “Being passionate about your crafts, being mature beyond your years, and being a true leader on and off the competition fields/courts are just a small sample of traits that every young teammate is better off for being around you.

“The compassion you show our community’s youth, the respect you show with your interactions with our community’s adults and your willingness to always help the teachers and coaches in this building shows how great of a servant leader you are,” Hintz concluded.

The American Legion Auxiliary Award was presented to Alexandra Theriault.

It is given on the basis of citizenship, character, sportsmanship and athletics, and is voted on by the coaches.

Mahoney shared comments from head softball Coach Lindsay Jilek, who said, “Alex is an absolute fantastic leader on and off the diamond. She’s smart, fun-spirited and goal-oriented. She’s a team player and is always willing to learn new things. 

“It has been an absolute joy to be Alex’s coach this season and I am very proud of the student athlete that she has become these past four years,” the coach added. “She surely will be missed as a Blackhawk, but she’s going to do great things at (the University of Wisconsin-) Stevens Point.”

The American Legion Award was presented to Carson Baker.

Based on citizenship, character, sportsmanship and athletics, it is voted on by the coaches.

According to Coach Hintz, “The great Evander Holyfield was quoted as saying, ‘It’s not the size of a man, but the size of his heart that matters.’ No truer statement can be said about Carson Baker. His whole high school career has consisted of Carson working daily to be a reliable consistent calming presence for both the football and basketball programs.

“What Carson may have lacked in size, he made up for with his work ethic and his never quit attitude,” Hintz continued. “Carson’s commitment to knowing the game, knowing his opponent and his mental preparation will be greatly missed. 

“To say Carson was an extension of the coaching staff on the court would be a huge understatement. However, the greatest thing about Carson Baker is the respect, compassion and passion he exhibited every day he put a Fort Atkinson uniform on,” he concluded.

Mahoney presented the Blackhawk Sportsmanship Awards, voted on by the coaches, to Kiara Wolfram and Jacob Ashland. 

“This award is presented to a female and male athlete who best represents good sportsmanship, team spirit, leadership and maturity,” the athletic director said. “Although this award could go to a ‘top’ athlete, it just as easily could go to the athlete who ‘sits on the bench.’ This award goes to the person who is always there for his/her teammates, without regard to his/her points or playing time.”

Mahoney shared what the girls’ basketball team had to say about Wolfram:

“Kiara was one of those players that a teammate wants to have and a coach needs to have,” it said. “Her presence was known despite being on or off the court. Her ability to lead by example and be that positive role model for all teammates to look up to is what made Kiara stand out. 

“Despite being out for some part of her senior season, she played a huge role at the success of the team this year,” the team noted. “Kiara will always be a Blackhawk, but we are excited to see the great things she will accomplish on the next journey she takes at UW-Madison.”

Of Ashland, head football Coach Nick Nelson stated, “Jacob Ashland did many impressive things as a Fort Atkinson football player and was recognized with the 2021 Fort Atkinson Blackhawks football coaches’ award. The coaches’ award is awarded to an individual who demonstrates great spirit for the game. Our program was fortunate to have several players in each position who led by example, but Jake’s unflinching optimism in the face of injury, competition, and struggle lifted the spirit of the entire program.”

He continued: “Jake Ashland was not just a player who would run through a wall for his teammates. He worked hard and practiced every day to improve as a player while still doing whatever it took to be a better teammate along the way. Fort Atkinson football is grateful for the leadership and spirit from #13, Jacob Ashland.”

Athlete Alyssa Heagney presented F-Club Scholarships of $250 each to Jada Zorn and Drew Evans. 

Among the criteria for this honor are being an active member of F-Club for at least two years, lettering at least twice in one sport, having no violations of the Code of Conduct, being accepted to a post-secondary institution and submitting a letter why he or she is a deserving candidate.

Gerber presented retiring science teacher and boys’ and girls’ cross-country coach Chick Westby with the F-Club Blanket.

“To be eligible to receive the F-Club blanket, the only requirement is that one must be a positive supporter of Fort Atkinson High School athletics,” he said. “The recipient can be school personnel, a community member, parent or fan that has given of their time and talents for the betterment of Fort Atkinson High School athletics. Their dedication has continued to be appreciated over the years.”

Nominations are submitted by athletes, coaches or staff members involved in the athletic program, and then voted on by F-Club members.

“Our recipient this year has dedicated many years and countless hours to the Fort Atkinson High School students and athletes,” Gerber said. “He has served as a teacher and incredible cross-country coach.”

The Blackhawk Service Award was presented to John Collins, auditorium coordinator at the high school. Collins has worked in the district since 2013.

Also Monday evening, the program lauded the athletes named Most-Valuable Player (MVP) throughout the year. They include:

Fall: Cade Cosson, football; Sarah Holzli and Sierra Jelinek, girls’ tennis; Natalie Kammer, girls’ golf; Scott Buchta, boys’ soccer; Andi Spies, girls’ volleyball; Jacob Murphy, boys’ volleyball; Mary Worden, girls’ cross-country; Ben Stricker, boys’ cross-country; and Tessa Byrnes, girls’ swim.

Winter: Carson Baker, boys’ basketball; Ethan Larson and Charles Schenk, boys’ swim; Taylor Marquart, girls’ basketball; Aiden Worden, wrestling.

Spring: Dane Brost, baseball; Mason Burke, boys’ golf; Jordan Jensen, boys’ tennis; Alexandra Theriault, softball; Payton Neste, girls’ soccer; Adyn Theriault, girls’ track and field; Nolan Zachgo, boys’ track and field.

WIAA state qualifiers also were introduced Monday. They included:

• Cross-country: Mary Worden and Ben Stricker.

• Shotput: Drew Evans was runner-up in shotput with a new school record of 58′ 9″, breaking a record of 54’ 8-1/4” set in 1967.

• 4×800-Meter Relay: Laurel Miller, Sophie Chapman, Mary Worden, Jada Zorn and alternates Kaitlyn Burke and Lydia Smith won the state championship, setting a new school record of 9:30.31 and breaking a record set in 2012.

• 110-Meter High Hurdles: Nolan Zachgo.

• 300-Meter Intermediate Hurdles: Nolan Zachgo placed sixth at state.

• 200-Meter Dash: Will Chapman.

• 3,200-Meter Run: Mary Worden.

• 4×400-Meter Relay: Adyn Theriault, Laurel Miller, Jada Zorn, Kaitlyn Burke, Mallory Gasper and Mary Worden.

• Discus: Drew Evans set a new school record of 162′ 4”.

• Long Jump: Adyn Theriault set a new school record in the 100-meter long jump with 12.63, breaking a record set in 1982.

• 1,600-Meter Run: Jada Zorn.

Gerber presented three-sport medals to the following athletes:

Jacob Ashland, Mykenna Gray, Luke Murphy, Preston Whitcomb, Haiden Badura, Rylan Guth, Payton Neste, Aiden Worden, Scott Buchta, Triston Hanson, Jack Opperman, Mary Worden, Mason Burke, Braden Hausen, Paula Palacios, Nolan Zachgo, Kaitlyn Burke, Braeden Hoth, Macey Pease, Evan Zachgo, Caleb Enger, Kellan Jacobson, Kendra Pfaff.

Also, Brogan Bosch, Analise Erb, Jack Kammer, Cooper Recob, Brady Byrnes, Drew Evans, Gavin Kanters, Logan Recob, Ben Evans, Logan Kees, Ava Rohloff, Caleb Fast, Mason Ketterhagen, Colin Schrader, Oscar Garcia, Hayden Kincaid, Michael Schwarz, Kendall Garant, Ethan Larson, Jaren Strasburg, Owen Geiger, Josh Larson, Brennan Trader, Peyton Godfrey, Isaiah Maier and James Wedl.

Three-year letter winners honored are: Ryan Acosta, football; Jacob Ashland, wrestling and track and field; Carson Baker, football; Lily Belzer, girls’ swim; Mason Brandl, football; Scott Buchta, boys’ basketball; Kaitlyn Burke, girls;’ cross-country; Jack Calloway, boys’ soccer; Sophie Chapman, girls’ cross-country; Brooke Christiansen, girls’ volleyball and girls’ basketball; Cade Cosson, football; Alec Courtier, football; Rachel Edwards, girls’ golf; Kade Eske, boys’ swim; Analise Erb, swim, poms and track and field; Drew Evans, football and boys’ basketball.

Also, Alyssa Heagney, girls’ volleyball; Vincent Healy, wrestling; Anthony Henrichon, boys’ cross-country; Sarah Holzli, girls’ tennis; Sierra Jelinek, girls’ tennis; Logan Kees, boys’ basketball; Kat Kessler, girls’ soccer; Elly Kohl, girls’ basketball; Daniel Krapfl, boys’ swim; Ethan Larson, boys’ swim and track and field; Josh Larson, boys’ swim and track and field; Laurel Miller, girls’ cross-country; Payton Neste, girls’ basketball and girls’ soccer; Jack Opperman, boys’ basketball; Logan Recob, football; Charles Schenk, boys’ swim; Ryan Schoenherr, baseball; Lance Schultz, football; Alex Theriault, girls’ volleyball; Bryce Volla, wrestling; Spencer Whitcomb, boys’ soccer; Kiara Wolfram, girls’ basketball; and Aiden Worden, boys’ soccer, wrestling. 

Four-year letter winners were: Carson Baker, boys’ basketball; Lily Belzer, girls’ basketball; Morgan Brown, track and field; Scott Buchta, soccer and track and field; Sophia Chapman, track and field; Cade Cosson, boys’ basketball; Alec Courtier, track and field; Evan Dudzek, track and field; Drew Evans, track and field; Jayden Hawkins, soccer; Hope Heagney, girls’ volleyball; Natalie Kammer, girls’ golf; Kat Kessler, soccer; Callie Krause, girls’ volleyball; Mason Marowsky, boys’ swim; Taylor Marquart, girls’ basketball; Payton Neste, soccer; Laura Peterson, soccer; Logan Recob, boys’ swim; Sierra Schultz, girls’ swim; Reid Selle, soccer; Caleb Strayer, soccer; Alex Theriault, softball; Braden Traxler, track and field; Jade Van Wormer, soccer; Madison Wittmann, soccer; Nolan Zachgo, track and field; and Jada Zorn, cross-country and track and field. 

Also on Monday, Gerber presented all graduating senior athletes with a medal.

In addition, Mike Opperman, president of the Fort Atkinson Booster Club, outlined the organization’s many activities, noting that the group’s goal this next year is to add 150 new members.

He also reported that the Boosters donated more than $20,000 in contributions to the athletic department this past year, thanks to its many supporters.

To view the spring athletics awards program, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=458pmozNvqQ.