MALST Swimmers Earn Awards

The Milbank Area Lions Swim Team wrapped up its 2017 season with an awards banquet Sunday, August 20, at the Milbank Visitor Center. Season-end awards were given.

Champion Swimmers were Amaya Street, first; Carter Gloe, second; and Aubrey Fraash, third. This award recognizes swimmers who were dedicated to the team, displayed positive attitudes, worked hard, put in extra time, placed well at multiple meets, and stood out as a competitor to other teams.

Street set seven new Seasonal Championship records and broke a MALST record in every event she entered this season. She won first place high point honors at the Seasonal Championship meet, had state qualifying times in 12 events, and was the only swimmer to take on the mile and 800 freestyle multiple times.

C. Gloe set three Seasonal Championship records, won the first place honor point honor in his age group, broke multiple MALST team records, and qualified for the State A meet in eight events.

Fraasch earned first place high point honors at the Seasonal Championship meet, set new MALST records, and held state-qualifying times in nine events. “Aubrey really grew as a swimmer, branching off her favorite strokes of butterfly and breaststroke, and excelled in all four strokes throughout the entire season,” said MALST Head Coach Jodi Street.

Receiving the Big Brother and Big Sister awards were William Karels and Makenna Osowski. “These awards recognize swimmers whose attitude supports, not only their fellow teammates, but their overall attitude towards the sport of swimming,” said Coach Jodi. “They provide encouragement and assistance to others throughout the season and assist with the younger group in practice and at meets.”

Four swimmers were named the Most Valuable Swimmers on the team. Jacy Dexter and Liam Street were chosen from the younger group. Savanna Osowski and Presley Peschong earned the distinction from the older group. “This award looks at the combined points scored at all meets these swimmers attended,” said Coach Jodi. “It also takes into account state-qualifying events, the number of practices and meets attended, high point honors at the various meets, and contributions to relays.”

Four swimmers were named the Most Improved on the team. Recognized for their progress were Trey Gloe, Kennedi Sayler, Beth Goodhart, and Laura Johnson. The Team Choice Award was presented to Amaya Street. “This award is voted on solely by the team for overall commitment to the team during practices and meets,” said Coach Jodi. “The award is also based on how the swimmer helps out and interacts with their team members of all ages and encourages and helps them.”

Senior Clare Van Dover received the Commitment Award. “Clare was dedicated to the sport of swimming throughout the entire year,” said Coach Jodi. “She maintained a positive attitude, worked well with others, swam in the off-season, helped with team functions, and was willing to help others.”

Rylee Scoular, Jenna Dexter, Emma DeBoer, and Jessica Van Peursem were named the Hardest Workers. Isaac Sousa and Hope Karels were honored with the Coaches’ Award. “This award goes to someone who has a positive attitude; comes to practice with determination, confidence, and consistency; shows kindness towards all members of the team; helps out when needed; and assists the coaches with the younger swimmers.

Joe Schulte and Maddox Hanson were named the Rookies of the Year. “This award goes to first-year swimmers who show high interest in development of swimming, learn multiple strokes and complete them legally, cut time, and improve and grow as a swimmers throughout the entire season,” Coach Jodi said.

In the Performance Award category, Elijah Fraasch won for his 100-yard butterfly race during the Milbank Meet. The other went to the girls (11-12) 200 freestyle and 200 medley relay team of Maurina Street, Rylie Overby, Laney Forrette, and Hallie Schulte for their performances at the State A and Seasonal Championship meets. “The Performance Award goes to those who swim in a race or relay that stands out with excitement, team support, positive competitive swimming, and good attitude,” said Coach Jodi. “These are races that people continue to talk about after the event is over, regardless if they won or lost.”

Lastly, 14 Survivor certificates were given to all the first-year swimmers on the team. Those recognized were: Laney Andrews, Logan Dexter, Maddox Hanson, Zoee Henrich, Lincoln Holscher, Avigail Howard, Jenna Johnson, Elyse Reede, Isaac Schulte, Joe Schulte, Rachel Schulte, Rylee Scoular, Timbree Spors, and Jada Leigh Wellnitz.

Award winners: (Back l. to r.) Beth Goodhart, Isaac Sousa, William Karels, Elijah Fraasch, and Emma DeBoer. (Middle) Laney Forrette, Hope Karels, Clase Van Dover, Makenna Osowski, Jessica Van Peursem, Savanna Osowski, Maurina Street, Amaya Street, and Maddox Hanson. (Front) Rylie Overby, Liam Street, Kennedi Sayler, Jacy Dexter, Aubrey Fraasch, Jenna Dexter, Trey Gloe, Carter Gloe and Joe Schulte. Award winners not in the photo: Hallie Schulte, Laura Johnson, Presley Peschong, and Rylee Scoular.