 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Steele and Thompson receive district honors Shannon Hutchinson Sports Writer The Wayne County Cardinals, coming off a 7-5 season that produced the school's second ever playoff win and fourth district runner-up finish, earned some high recognition at the conclusion of the regular season. Senior quarterback Ryan Steele and head coach Shawn Thompson were both named as the District's Player of the Year and Coach of the Year for 2005. Steele, a 6-1 185 lbs. senior, led the Cards with team highs and career bests in rushing yards, passing yards, total touchdowns and added over 100 total tackles from his linebacker position. "I'm so happy for Ryan and proud of all the things he helped our team accomplish. He's the first ever Wayne County football player to receive this award and he certainly represents what we want to develop in our football program. A tremendously fierce competitor and an excellent student in the classroom. His leadership will help our future team for years to come," said Cards head coach Shawn Thompson. The senior stalwart finished with 1,162 rushing yards on 189 attempts, for a 6.1 per carry average and rushed for 13 touchdowns. Steele also passed for 1,347 yards with 10 scores, as the Cards' offense netted 23.1 points per game. "Ryan was such a leader for our offense. I know we looked for him to provide a spark when things were tough, and the kids always responded when we called his number. Ryan is a perfect example of just how much hard work can pay off," said Thompson. The honors don't end with Steele, as his head coach Shawn Thompson was the first ever Wayne County football coach named as Coach of the Year. Thompson has led the Cards to a 13-10 record the past two seasons, which also ties the school record for best start ever by a head football coach. "Give credit to all our kids and my assistant coaches. This was a team effort that I'm proud to accept on behalf of our entire program. The thing I am most proud of is our program is getting some recognition and that happens when you have good kids that try to do things the right way," said Thompson. Thompson and the success of the football program appear to very much go together. As a four-year letter-winner and player he was a part of teams that totaled a 29-14 record and now owns a nice two year coaching start of his own. In all, the head coach has been a contributing factor as a player, head coach and assistant on seven of Wayne County's 14 winning seasons. The head coach has also been a part of all four of Wayne County's district runner-up finishes. "We want to get this program to the point where we're winning districts and competing for regional titles. I truly believe this season was a step in that direction, we just have to keep working hard," said Thompson. Thompson and Steele will both be recognized in a special ceremony, during the state finals next month at Louisville's Papa Johns Stadium. "I'm sure that will be special for Ryan to get to walk out on the field and be honored," said Thompson. Add a comment |
|
|
@ 2005 The Wayne County Outlook For more information, see our online Privacy Policy. |