The S&S High School Athletic Department held its annual Athletic Banquet on Monday, May 4, recognizing student athletes for their dedication, leadership, and outstanding accomplishments throughout the 2025–2026 school year. Under the direction of Athletic Director Dan Pike and Assistant Athletic Director Brandy Courville, the evening celebrated achievements across the S&S High School athletic program. Student athletes who maintained a 90 or higher grade average were also honored with Academic All-District recognition.
In football, Hunter Courville and Joe Orr were honored as Offensive MVPs. Eli Nortman earned Defensive MVP, while Ruffin Brubaker was named Offensive Line honoree, Rylan McSpedden Defensive Line honoree, and Hayden Harkins Special Teams honoree. Brandon Petty received the Ram Pride Award.
Volleyball honors went to Lana Walters, who was named District 11-3A Defensive Player of the Year and team Defensive Player of the Year. Brooklyn Sterling earned MVP honors, Rylee Garrison was named Utility Player of the Year, Brady Clark received Offensive Player of the Year, and newcomers Ryleigh Carr and Bella Bennett were also recognized.
In cross country, Donaven Gingras and Dandree Meeks were named Boys and Girls MVP and both earned All-Texomaland honors. Kevin Flores-Valenzuela and Taylnn Williams were named Boys and Girls Newcomers of the Year while also receiving All-Texomaland recognition.
In boys basketball, Donaven Gingras was named Most Outstanding Player, Joe Orr earned Offensive Player honors, and Carter Ross received Defensive Player honors. In girls basketball, Bella Bennett was named Player of the Year, Tabi Jordan earned Offensive Player of the Year, Dandree Meeks was named Defensive Player of the Year, and Ryleigh Carr received Newcomer of the Year honors.
Powerlifting regional qualifiers included Uriah Mannis, Brek Hammett, Hayden Harkins, Bryan Flores, Jaslene Verdugo, Amilya Verdugo, Khloe Hatch, and Taylor Fischer. Khloe Hatch and Taylor Fischer also advanced to the state meet.
In boys track and field, Donaven Gingras was named MVP, Caden Daniel earned Newcomer of the Year, Matt Flores was named Field Events MVP, Joe Orr earned Running MVP, and Kevin Flores-Valenzuela received the Ram Toughness Award. Several athletes qualified for area competition, with Gingras advancing to regionals in the 800m.
In girls track and field, Dandree Meeks earned MVP honors. Novalee Adams was named Newcomer of the Year, while Hannah Foster, Tabitha Jordan, and Ryleigh Carr were named Field Events MVPs. Hayden Mowrey earned Running MVP, and Ayvah Gentry received the Lady Ram Toughness Award. Multiple athletes advanced to regional competition.
Softball awards included Hayden Mowrey as MVP, Lana Walters as Offensive MVP, Hayden Kight as Defensive MVP, Brynlee Mullican as Newcomer of the Year, Brooklyn Sterling as Fighting Heart, and Saryn Dowell as Utility Player of the Year.
In baseball, Brightin McNabb earned MVP and Cy Young honors. Zade Zellars received Gold Glove honors, Parker Hansen earned Silver Slugger recognition, Rylan McSpedden was named Coaches Award recipient, and Eli Nortman received the Team Over Me award. Carter Ross was named Golf MVP.
In archery, Kris Kelly was named Top Archer and State MVP Archer for 2025 in the boys division, with Paul Adkins earning Top Rookie honors. In girls archery, Ryli Maestas was named Top Archer and Meghan Schroeder earned State MVP Archer honors for 2025, while Baylie Emmert was named Top Rookie Archer.
In cheer, Chloe Pelzel received the Captain’s Award. Gracie Fuller earned the Positive Attitude Award, Novalee Adams was named Fearless Flyer, Landrey Perkins received the Lasting Leadership Award, Marley Lunde earned the Personality Plus Award, and Annabelle Pelzel received the Dynamite Determination Award.
Lana Walters and Rylan McSpedden were named recipients of the annual S&S Athletic Booster Club Scholarship, presented by the S&S Booster Club.Tynslie Adcock, Kenny Melton, and TJ Johnson received the For the Love of the Game Basketball Scholarship.
The banquet also recognized the steadfast support of the S&S administration, coaches, booster club, teachers and parents whose contributions are vital to the success of the Rams athletic program. Senior athletes were celebrated for their leadership and lasting impact on the program. The evening wrapped up with gratitude for another strong year of S&S athletics and anticipation for continued success in the seasons ahead.
