Athletics: Football

Warriors Win Awards

November 03, 2009

Warriors win all-district awards

The 2009 Whiting Warriors Football Team improved on last year’s record by finishing 2-7 from a 0-9 record last year. Many different players had excellent football season and six were recognized by the districts by receiving all-district awards.

Justin Storm was named to the first team all-district team. Justin excelled on both sides of the ball as he rushed for a team high 696 yards and had 19 rushing touchdowns. Justin also had two kickoff returns for touchdowns, along with 85 tackles and one interception. Justin did not stop there as he also had 160 receiving yards and on receiving touchdown. Justin was also voted, by his teammates, as "Team MVP".

Taylor Kron and Christian Neldeberg were named to the all-district second team. Taylor who only played in eight games this year, due to illness, still accumulated impressive season ending stats. Taylor was second on the team in tackles with 86 and had an interception returned for a touchdown. Taylor also added 317 rushing yards and three TD’s. Taylor was also named "Team Defensive Player of the Year".

Christian Neldeberg was impressive throughout the year at tight end as he lead the team with 36 receptions, 317 receiving yards, and had two touchdowns.

Reid Linden, Nyk Reeves and Travis Slusher were selected as all-district honorable mention. Each played important roles in the defense as Reid and Travis also played on an improved offensive.

Other players who received team selected awards were Reid Linden as he was voted as the team’s "Offensive Player of the Year". Kevin Grell was voted as the team’s "Most Improved Player" and Chase Turner was voted as "Rookie of the Year".

In football some positions receive more attention than others, but growth over the course of the year takes place in every football player and in every position. One position usually is left out at the end of the year because they have no stats to show how good they are, but recognition is also deserved. Three young men who played almost every game together and developed into a much improved offensive line were Cody Deen, Mike Pierick, and Travis Slusher. These three offensive linemen help the Warriors improve off of last season’s record. They worked extremely hard in the pre-season camps and two-a-day practices to help improve the running and passing attack, without their hard work and dedication the football team would not have improved.

This years letter winners included the following:

Justin Storm

Cody Ham

Kyle Kleespies

Cameron Sprock

Chase Turner

Bryce Hubert

Taylor Kron

Reid Linden

Cody Deen

Kevin Grell

Nyk Reves