Distance runner Desiree Benson and hurdler Isaiah White werenamed Most Valuable Players Tuesday night during Brookhaven’s Track& Field Awards banquet held at Western Sizzlin. Both arejuniors.

BHS assistant coaches Kelby Bowman and Freda Craft presented theawards in the absence of head coach Trevor Brister who hadoutpatient surgery yesterday.

“I want to congratulate the team for their hard work anddedication,” said Craft. “Several made it to state.”

After distributing participation certificates to each teammember, Craft read aloud from a state track meet certificatecongratulating those participants. It was signed by MississippiHigh School Acitivities Association Executive Director Dr. EnnisProctor.

Bowman encouraged the track team members to continue workinghard to improve their athletic and academic skills. “Get yourdegree in college. That’s the most important thing, to get yourdegree.”

Due to the deteriorating condition of the King Field tracksurface, no track meets were held at home this season. Bowman saidthe track should be repaired by the 2010 season.

Craft presented individual trophies to the girls. They went toErica Lenoir, Most Versatile; , Cierra Johnson, OutstandingLeadership; Karronda Redd, Panther Award; Jamie Swington, MostValuable Sprinter; Julecia Jefferson, Most Improved; Andrea Graham,Most Valuable Field Events; and Benson, MVP.

Bowman presented individual awards to the boys. They went toIsaiah Williams, Most Improved; Jeffery Newton, OutstandingLeadership; Tebinyance Loving, Panther Award; and White, MVP.

Senior team members Chavon Middleton, Asia Stewart, Jeffersonand Graham were recognized at the conclusion of the ceremony.