AWARD WINNERS - Several members of the Tawas Area varsity softball team won awards during the team’s season-ending banquet, held June 19 at Tawas Bay Beach Resort in East Tawas. They are, from left, front row: Jill Fountain, Rachel Adaline, Nikki Stein, Christie Cooper and Courtney McKenzie; back row: Katie LaHaye, Courtney Bissonette, Lyndsey Look and Michelle Revord. - Courtesy photo

Tawas Area softball players honored

EAST TAWAS - More than 70 parents, players, relatives and coaches gathered at the Tawas Bay Beach Resort in East Tawas on June 19 for the annual Tawas Area Varsity Softball Awards Banquet.

Following a buffet dinner, Coach Dave Lesinski addressed the gathering before the awards presentation, thanking the parents and family members.
“We expect a lot of commitment out of our players during the season and that usually means commitment from the parents as well,” Lesinski said. “Driving to all of our weekend tournaments can be difficult, but this year we had no short supply of parents willing to make this commitment.

“We also appreciate all of the help from the parents at practice and during the games.”

For the 10th consecutive year under Lesinski, the 2008 team earned the Academic All-State Team Award. To achieve this award, the entire team must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

In addition to the team award, seniors Jill Fountain, Courtney McKenzie and Michelle Revord received Academic All-State individual awards. Senior players must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher to achieve this award.

All-Conference awards for 2008 were presented to Katie LaHaye, honorable mention; Fountain and Lyndsey Look, second team, and Revord and Nikki Stein, first team.

All-District Honorable Mention awards were presented to Christie Cooper and Courtney Bissonette. All-District First Team recipients were Revord, Fountain and McKenzie (outfield); LaHaye (catcher); Look (first base); Rachel Adaline (at large), and Stein (pitcher).

Receiving All-Region awards for 2008 were Revord and Fountain (outfield), Look (first base) and Stein (pitcher).

In team awards, the Most Academic Player award was presented to Fountain with a GPA of 3.99. The 2008 Most Improved Player award went to Fountain and McKenzie. Receiving the “Team Spirit” award was Jenna Plude. The 2008 Most Valuable Player award went to Revord. Revord was also selected to the Bay City Times Dream Team for the second consecutive year.

The final award of the evening was the presentation of the Coach’s Choice award. This award is given annually by the coaches to the athlete that demonstrates the most dedication to her team and to the game of softball. This year, that award went to LaHaye.

The evening ended with the presentation to the players of their varsity letters, medals and a book highlighting and recapping the entire season.

Receiving All-Region awards for 2008 were Revord and Fountain (outfield), Look (first base) and Stein (pitcher).

In team awards, the Most Academic Player award was presented to Fountain with a GPA of 3.99. The 2008 Most Improved Player award went to Fountain and McKenzie. Receiving the “Team Spirit” award was Jenna Plude. The 2008 Most Valuable Player award went to Revord. Revord was also selected to the Bay City Times Dream Team for the second consecutive year.

The final award of the evening was the presentation of the Coach’s Choice award. This award is given annually by the coaches to the athlete that demonstrates the most dedication to her team and to the game of softball. This year, that award went to LaHaye.

The evening ended with the presentation to the players of their varsity letters, medals and a book highlighting and recapping the entire season.

The 2008 Tawas Area varsity softball team finished the season with an overall record of 24-13.