Throughout their high school careers, they practiced endlessly, played hard, but always fair, and listened to their coaches.
Whether they enjoyed the thrill of victory or suffered the agony of defeat, they never forgot their Wildcat pride as they represented their school both on the field and in the classroom.
Last Tuesday night, the 110 graduating senior athletes of Oxford High School’s Class of 2008 were honored with plaques from the Oxford Athletic Boosters & Foundation.
Not only is this year’s 66 males and 44 females the largest group of senior athletes in the school’s history, they also earned more varsity letters than any other graduating class prior to them. During their four years at OHS, the Class of 2008 collected a grand total of 410 varsity letters.
Zach Gunnels earned nine letters, the most of any male or female athlete in the class. He lettered in golf for two years, hockey for three and track for four.
Right behind Gunnels was Adam Heskitt, Zach Tilley, Zach Line and Ben Cole who each earned 8 letters in their respective sports.
The highest honors of the evening were given to Jacqui Sylva and Zach Line.
Sylva received the Helen Smith Award, which is given to the Best Female Senior Athlete. She lettered all four years of track and three years in volleyball. Sylva was also the first and only female from OHS to make it to states in track four years in a row.
Line was presented the George Prince Award, an honor reserved for the Best Male Senior Athlete. He lettered in football and wrestling for four years.
Both awards were voted on by all the athletes who earned varsity letters during their senior year.
Tilley received the $1,000 Bud Rowley Scholarship for his dedication to the football, wrestling and basketball teams.
Another special moment during the evening was when longtime Oxford super fan and ticket taker, Andy Vascassenno received the special Wildcat recognition award and was presented with his own varsity jacket.
The athletes, coaches and parents at the awards got to hear words of wisdom from Superintendent Dr. Bill Skilling and athletics supporter Bill Keenist.
‘You have had the privilege of experiencing both victory and the privilege of experiencing defeat,? Skilling said. ‘However, you have been taught to not let defeat keep you down. These qualities of perserverance, tenacity, character, determination and self-discipline will serve you well throughout life.?
Keenist relayed some of his proud moments of being affiliated with the Wildcats, like the schools first girls? swim meet when one Oxford swimmer fell way behind during an event. She emerged from the pool in last place, but also to a roar from the crowd watching.
‘She was the ultimate winner that night,? he said. ‘To me, that’s the epitome of hgh school athletics. She won our hearts and admiration.?