Coach Jan Delaughter’s Class 2A state fastpitch softball statechampion Loyd Star Lady Hornets received a standing ovation atThursday night’s athletic awards banquet. They were fresh fromwining the title last Saturday and finishing their season with a31-1-1 record.

“There is nothing like winning a state championship,” saidDelaughter. “It feels great.”

The veteran coach challenged the other Loyd Star athletic teamsto win a state championship. “It’s a great feeling.”

Athletes in nine sports were honored at last night’s banquetthat as held in the Lincoln County Multi-Purpose Facility. LoydStar principal Robin Case welcomed the large crowd to the event.Senior football player Grant Britt, president of the school’sFellowship of Christian Athletes huddle, delivered theinvocation.

Seniors Landon Paschall and Samantha Guidry were honored as LoydStar’s top scholar/athletes. Paschall is a member of the soccerteam and Guidry is a member of the golf team.

“Our girls worked hard and they deserved everything they gotthis season,” said Delaughter. “We probably had 700 people presentfor our state championship and that made me and the team feel verygood to see all those red shirts.”

Loyd Star athletic director Billy Vaughn said the school’sathletic program had an outstanding year. “We had an overall recordof 138-50-4 in all athletic events.”

Receiving Most Valuable Player honors last night were BrookeDelaughter in softball, Marquis Hayes and Andrew Rushing infootball, Shannon Chester in girls basketball and Ashton Fox inboys basketball; Courtney Watts and Josh Dunn in tennis, CalebWindham and Guidry in golf, Drew Weaver in baseball, and CarrieMoak and Andrew Rushing in soccer.