Barbara Lawlor, Gilpin County.  Gilpin High School athletes, coaches and families celebrated the fall sports with a banquet and award ceremony. The pot luck supper is always a big hit and the boys’ and girls’ teams dress up mountain style for the event.

On Monday night, GHS athletic director Jeff Schuessler welcomed everyone and thanked the Eagles’ Booster Club for the banquet, the awards, and all they do to support the athletic program. He thanked the teachers for helping to keep the kids eligible and he thanked the athletes for being awesome, showing respect, and being well-behaved when on the road.

Schuessler announced the Four-Year Commitment Awards to students who stuck by their team through their high school careers. Those students were: Lexi Kennedy, Dan Garcia, Bjorn Tomlinson, Chase Boulter and Dan Garcia.

The Academic All-League Awards went to: Jack Ball, Josh Trujillo, Jon Lovett, Dan Garcia, Sam Ghaffari, Austin Boulter, Matthew Immordino, Eryk Lorenz and Chase Boulter. Sierra De Leon, Lindsey James and Jada Ghodes.

Academic All-State Awards went to Lindsey James, Matthew Immordino and Sam Ghaffari.

Academic First Team Awards went to: Jada Ghodes, Sierra De Leon, Dan Garcia, Jon Lovett and Chase Boulter.

Gilpin High School volleyball coach, Alexis Donaldson, handed out the volleyball letters and awards, saying something about each member of the team.

Junior varsity coach, Victoria Stephens, introduced the junior varsity players, congratulating them on taking second place in their home tournament after coming in last place last year. They had a 11-6 record with seven victories in a row.

“The girls all worked hard and always asked what they needed to work on to become better.”

Varsity coach Alexis Donaldson told the audience that coaching this year’s team was one of the most enjoyable experiences she has had as a coach. “They always played the game and they had more heart than I’ve seen in a long time. We were never the biggest team but we had a 93.5 serving percentage.” Donaldson went on to say that the girls helped her see that winning isn’t everything; they had the love of the game inspiring them.

At the end of the season, the girls could boast a championship in the tournament, a 14-7 record overall and a fourth place in the CHSAA District 8.

Special Awards were presented: Cooper Lindberg was named MVP of managers; Cicely Lepro was honored with the Coaches Award; Alex Martin earned the Defensive Player of the Year; Sierra De Leon was named the Offensive Player of the Year.

Donaldson told the team, “Walk on the floor loving the game and doing your best.”

Eagle football coach Craig Ball presented the awards to his team, beginning with thanking the whole community, who donated equipment and lights and the means to celebrate the football team in style. He also thanked the cheerleaders who remained loyal and energetic throughout the season.

“We were 6-3 overall, 4-3 in league play, and we had two three-game win streaks. The only team we haven’t beaten in the past two years is Vail.

Out of the 16 First-Team, All-League players Gilpin High School claimed four of them: Manny Gomez, linebacker; Matthew Immordino, running back; Jonny Lovett, cornerback; and Chase Boulter, quarterback.

The Eagle Award for being a leader, working hard, and making a difference was presented to Eryk Lorenz.

Each senior received a photo collage and a video that was made during the season.