CAMDEN — By PATRIC FLANNIGAN
Sports editor
The Bearden School District held its annual All Sports Banquet on Monday at the Bearden First Assembly of God Church.
It was the last Bearden All Sports Banquet for Head football and track Coach Ernie Horstkamp. In addition to his coaching duties, Horstkamp served as athletic director and a science teacher.
The banquet was opened by Bearden Head Baseball Coach and native William “Bud” Chambliss before handing the microphone over to Cheer Sponsor Wanda Williams.
It was a good year for the Bearden athletic program filled with several high moments. One of which was the success of the Bearden Lady Bear’s Track team, despite low numbers. The 4*100 meter relay team of Cassandra Coleman, Jaylah Williams, Destiny Johnson and Iyanah Nelson won the 2A State Title in the 4x100M Relay. Kayli Heigleman was a sub on the 4x100M relay team through the year. The group set a school record by running a 51:27 at the Meet of Champions.
Another highlight was the Bearden Basketball team, who repeated as conference champions and finished with a 23-6 overall record. Recognized all of its letterman During the ceremony, Bearden Head Basketball coach Anthony Hammonds announced that this year’s group of senior basketball student athletes had not loss a single game on its home floor during their career.
The football Bears were able to advance to the second round of the 2A State Playoffs and was the last team to hold a lead over the eventual state champion Forman Gators.
Williams spoke about the contributions of the Lady Bear Cheerleaders and became emotional as she honored the seniors. She spoke highly of each member and said the cheer team peaked during post season play.
Below is a list of the awards from the banquet:
Cheerleading
Bear Spirit Award - Molly Brandon, Hunter Bulloch, Kenli Barner, Jessica Hill, Holly Pennington and Shelby Young.
Leadership Award - Kenli Barner and Holly Pennington
Girls Track
State Qualifiers - Cassadra Coleman, Angel Edwards, Kaylee Heigleman, Karli Humphries, Destiny Johnson, Evie Porter
All State - Coleman, Johsnon, Jayla Williams and Iyannah Nelson
Boys Track
Outstanding Thrower - Garrett McWhorter
Outstanding Sprinter - Jaylen Wade
Most Improved - Case Humphries
Softball
Rookie of the Year - Taylor Hall
Most Improved Player - Nybrea Hughes
Pitcher of the Year - Keelie Mosely
Offensive Player of the Year - Evie Porter
Defensive Player of the Year - Jaylah Williams
Baseball
Most Improved - Drake Wilson
Most Improved Infielder - Garrett Pierce
Golden Bat - Garrett McWhorter
Golden Arm - Gage Word
Golden Glove - Cohen Word
All Conference Honorable Mention - Rylee Rauls, Tyler Earnest, C.J. Quarles
Bear Spirit Award - Ethan Vaughn
Football
Fordyce News Advocate All Star Football Team - Garret McWhorter, Rylee Rauls, Ricky Scott, Wyatt Williams, Devarious Hughes, Tyler Berry, Jared Vaughn, Drake Wilson, Gage Word, Cohen Word, Robert Miller, CamRon Byes, Jeffrey Cones, C.J. Quarles and Bobby Barker.
All Conference - Dee Hughes, Garrett McWhorter, Jeffrey Cones and Cohen Word
Most Improved Player - Jeffrey Cones
Bear Award - Jared Vaughn
Outstanding Offensive Lineman - Drake Wilson
Outstanding Offensive Back - Cohen Word
Outstanding Wide Receiver - Dee Hughes
Offensive MVP - Tyler Berry
Outstanding Defensive Linemen - Garrett McWhorter
Outstanding Linebacker - Ricky Scott
Outstanding Defensive Back - CamRon Byes
Defensive MVP - Gage Word
Girls Basketball
Three point shooter - Latrice Wright
Manager award - Dasiah Williams
Spirit Award - Abbie Owens
Rebound - Nybrea Hughes
leading scorer - Iyanah Nelson
Most Improved - Latrice Wright
Defensive Award - Iyanah Nelson
All Conf and All District - Iyanah Nelson
All Conference Honorable Mention - Evie Porter, Latrice Wright and Maleka Berry
All District Honorable Mention - Maleka Berry, Evie Porter and Latrice Wright
Coaches Award - Jayla Williams
Basketball
Points - Dee Hughes
Assists - Kevin Marks
Rebounds - Tyler Berry
Steals - Tyler Berry
Blocks - Dee Hughes/Garrett McWhorter
Charges - Robert Miller
Most Improved - Billy Minor
All Conf - Kevin Marks
Newcomer of the Year - Kendrick Juniel