Handing out Senior Athletic Awards for Oxford High School’s Class of 2013 was a little bit harder than years past, according to Athletic Director Mike Watson.
‘This class has a special place in my heart because I started at OHS with them four years ago,? Watson said. ‘I’ve gotten to grow with them, make relationships with them and watch them achieve great things.?
This year the Oxford Wildcats Athletic Boosters honored a total of 97 senior athletes at the group’s annual awards ceremony held May 14 in the OHS Performing Arts Center.
This group of student-athletes, which consisted of 59 males and 38 females, amassed a combined total of 149 varsity letters during their high school careers. The Leader will publish the complete list in next week’s edition.
Of the 97 athletes, two were voted as ‘the most outstanding athletes? of their class.
For the ladies, Brooke Kovacic was voted the winner of prestigious Helen Smith Award. Kovacic earned a total eight varsity letters between Cross Country and Track and Field, including being a state qualifier for this year’s MHSAA track and field state finals, which will take place June 1.
‘Brooke is one of the most outstanding, resilient, tough athletes I’ve ever witnessed,? Watson said. ‘She has a quiet strength and tenacity that will serve her well not only in her career at Michigan State, but also in life.?
For the gents, Rocco Borg was the selected winner of the George Prince Award.
Borg has been a four varsity letters winner in wrestling, as well as a state qualifier and finalist. This past season, Borg took third place at 145 pounds at state and was 51-3 on the season.
‘Rocco Borg is one of my favorite ‘lunch pail? athletes. He consistently comes to work each day with commitment and character,? added Watson. ‘His natural ability as a wrestler is tremendous, but his work ethic has made him into one of the best we’ve ever had here.?
The Bud Rowley Scholarship recipient was Jarred Butler, who lettered three years in track and Field and four years in swim and Dive.
‘He is an all-state swimmer for (Coach) Jackie Rank,? Watson said. ‘He owns all school records but three.?