An estimated crowd of 350 gathered Thursday night at the LincolnCounty Multi-Purpose Facility to honor Loyd Star’s athletes andcoaches. Athletes in 10 sports were recognized during the awardsbanquet which lasted over three hours.

Loyd Star athletic director Billy Vaughn noted the academicaccomplishments of the teams during the school year. Five of the 10sports maintained a 3.0 or higher grade point average, includingfastpitch softball, girls basketball, tennis, boys soccer andcheerleading.

Retiring Loyd Star principal Wayne Rogers greeted the crowd. Hethanked the athletes for their efforts and the parents for theirsupport during the year. During his four years as principal, Rogerssaid he was encouraged by the spirit and sportsmanship displayed bythe athletic teams.

“You always held your heads high, even when you got whipped,”said Rogers. “You have a great spirit. Remember to work hard in theclassroom and on the field.”

Recognized as Scholar/Athletes were Jamie Benge and LoganCrosby.

Vaughn presented Rogers with a plaque of appreciation at theconclusion of the banquet, thanking him for his four years ofservice to the school. Rogers said he planned to continue living inBrookhaven after his retirement.

First-year coach Cindy Smith presented golf awards. Shecongratulated the team on their steady improvement which includedbeating archrival Wesson by 2 strokes in the Division 6-2ATournament and landing a berth in the state tournament.

Will Smith was honored as the golf team’s Most OutstandingPlayer. Samantha Guidry received the Scholastic Award.

First-year head coach Ryan Ross presented the football awards.Each of the 10 seniors received a football autographed by teammembers.

Nathan Williams was honored as the Most Valuable DefensivePlayer and the Scholastic Award winner.

Coach Jan Delaughter presented the fastpitch softball awards.MVP honors went to sophomore pitcher Brooke Delaughter. Carrie Moakwon the Scholastic Award.

Clara Freeman presented the cheerleader awards. Rachel Haymanwas named Cheerleader of the Year. Carleigh Engles earned theScholastic Award.

Coach Jonathan Breakfield presented baseball awards. Drew Weaverwas named Most Outstanding Player.

Vaughn coached the girls basketball team to the Division 6-2ATournament championship and a berth in the state playoffs, going23-6. Junior guard Shannon Chester was named Most Outstanding andthe winner of the Scholastic Award.

Coach Gene Britt presented the boys basketball awards. Seniorcenter Rickey Barnes was named Most Valuable Player.

Coach Stuart Sellers presented the soccer awards. Sophomoregoalkeeper Carrie Moak was named Most Outstanding Player on thegirls team.

“These girls have improved tremendously in five years,” saidSellers. “We had 34 girls play soccer.”

In boys soccer, senior Alex Pizarras was named Most ValuablePlayer.

Coach Heather Watts presented the tennis awards. Her team wasrunner-up in the division tournament and advanced to the stateplayoffs. She had 30 players on the squad.

Josh Dunn was named Most Valuable Boy and Courtney Watts waschosen Most Valuable Girl.