Headline:

Tagline:

Byline:

   The 2011 Whiting Warrior football season has come to an end this year.  The Warriors, who failed to win a contest this year, showed improvement throughout the season. Many players had excellent years, but five players were recognized by the district by receiving all-district awards.

First team all-district award winner Reid Linden won the award for the first time as he was second team all-district his junior year and honorable mentions his freshman and sophomore years.  Linden led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and tied for second in receiving touchdowns.  On defense, he led the team in sacks and was third in total tackles.  

    Chase Turner was a second team all-district award winner, after being selected to the first team last year.  Turner led the team rushing attempts, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns. He also led the team in receiving touchdowns and was second in receiving yards.  On special teams, Turner led the district in kick-off returns for touchdown and return yards.  

    Whiting was awarded three all-district honorable mentions: Kevin Grell, Nate Mikkelsen, and Wade Martian. Grell took over the quarterback duties after the third game of the year and led the team in all quarterback statistical categories.  Mikkelsen also changed positions this year by moving from defensive end to middle linebacker.  He led the team in tackles, interceptions, and fumble recoveries.  He also contributed on offense.

    Wade Martian, a freshman, was the third member of the Warriors football team to be honored with an all-district honorable mention award.  He played a key role on the defense tying for the team lead in interceptions and fumble recoveries.  Martian also contributed late in the season as he took over some of the quarterback duties from Grell and was successful in running the offense.  He also averaged 32 yards per reception this year.  

  
    One position that does not receive a lot of credit during the course of the football season, but is key to the success of any football team, is the offensive line.  This year the Warriors had many different players play in the offensive line: freshmen Jason Bird and Cade Cooper played along side sophomore Austin Rich and junior Brady Bell.  These four young men rotated among three line spots and were asked to know and understand many different blocking schemes. Each one of these offensive linemen were a letter winner.

    Other letter winners inclun Kron, running back and defensive end, and AJ Fuller, a defensive back and contributed on all the special teams.  Jon Smith, a senior, was also a letter winner.  Jon too was asked to play many different positions as he played offensive line, tight end, wide receiver and linebacker.  

    A special thank you goes out to the four seniors who dedicated themselves to a grueling nine game season.  They spent countless hours in the weight room this summer (including others) and did everything that was asked of them to help this football team be successful.  They will be missed next year.  

This years letter winners included the following:
Reid Linden
Kevin Grell
Nate Mikkelsen
Jon Smith
Chase Turner
Dylon Kron
Brady Bell
Austin Rich
AJ Fuller
Jason Bird
Cade Cooper
Wade Martian