Barnwell High School student-athletes were recognized for their accomplishments and success in the athletic fields of battle during its annual sports award banquet May 26 held at the Elementary School Auditorium.

Athletic Director Rosey Anderson took charge of the ceremony, welcoming of parents, friends, coaches and athletes.

The guest speaker for the occasion was former Barnwell High student athlete Rupert Leary. Leary, a graduate of Georgia Southern University, played under former Warhorse legendary coach Mac Wier.

"It was a great honor to have Rupert Leary as the speaker for our banquet. He played sports at Barnwell High and he's a superb role model for our youngsters. He worked with young people in the past, having been involved with the campus ministry and campus outreach program when he was in college. He's here tonight to give some good words of encouragement to our young people."

It was another productive season for Barnwell High School athletics with the school scoring four region titles-baseball, softball and girls and boys varsity soccer.
"As for as athletics, I thought we had an exciting year," Anderson said.

"We accomplished a lot, especially during the spring sports. I'd like to thank the athletes, coaches, parents, fans and administration for their great support this school year."

Anderson announced that former Barnwell High head football coach Mac Wier will be inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame June 26 at a ceremony in Charleston. Wier also was presented with a plaque.

In the awards presentations, Barnwell High had four coaches who were recognized with Region Coaches of the Year honors. They include Joel Vaughn in varsity baseball; Carol Massengale in varsity softball; Michael Allen in girls varsity soccer and David Anastasia in boys varsity soccer.

For varsity baseball, Coty Smith was named Batting Champion. Luke Harter got the Golden Glove Award.

The Top Pitcher Awards were shared by Smith and Josh Owens. Chase Bell was the recipient of the John Hall award. All-Region players include Smith, Harter, Bell, Owens and Dylan Griffith. Smith was also selected to play in the North/South All-Star game at Coastal Carolina University.

In varsity softball, Taylor Roberts was selected Offensive Player. Defensive Player honors went to Andi Hogg.

Laura Maule was the recipient of the Tony DeCosta Award. All-Region softball players included Devan Davis, Hogg, Roberts, Ashley Frank and Hilary Zorn. Roberts was also named All-State.

In girls varsity basketball, Brittany Williams was named All-Region and Best Offensive Player. Shanita Hutto was Best Defensive Player while Alanna Williams received the Coach's Award.

For boys varsity basketball, Nate Felder was named Most Valuable Player and All-Region. The Best Defensive Player Award went to Jared Williams. Wil Alexander was named Best Offensive Player and Chris Mixon got the Coach's Award.

In varsity football, Cobly Carter was named Top Offensive Back. Top Defensive Back honors went to Pat Green. Justin Ferguson was selected Top Offensive Lineman. The Top Defensive Lineman Award went to D.J. Williams. Ty Carroll received the Coach's Award. All-Region players included Ferguson, Cobly Carter, Dakota Priester, Jared Williams, Antwan Hiers and D.J. Williams. Carter was also named Region 5AA Back of the Year.

For golf, Dwayne Liddle and Dakota Edsall were selected All-Region.

In varsity volleyball, Megan Williams was named Top Hitter. The Top Server Award went to Rachael Beasley. Katie Plexico received the Coach's Award. Brittany Padgett was named All-Region.

In girls tennis, Ashley Frank was selected Most Valuable Player and All-Region. Taylor Williams received the Coach's Award.

For boys tennis, Wil Alexander was named Most Valuable Player and All-Region. Justin Scott got the Coach's Award. Jordan Toole was recognized as All-Region.

In girls varsity soccer, Kaylyn Huggins was selected Best Offensive Player. The Top Defensive Player was Kaitlin Owens. Ashley McMaster received the Coach's Award.

All-Region players included Huggins, Kaitlin Owens, Masey Mathias, Sydney Woodberry and Lynnsey Jamison. Huggins was also named All-State.

Huggins will play in the June 12 North/South All-Star Classic at Wofford College.

In cross country, Lynnsey Jamison was girls Most Valuable Runner. Donvana Lee was chosen girls Most Improved Runner. For the boys, Phillip Johns was named boys Most Valuable Runner. Most Improved Runner for the boys went to Robert Brown.

For track and field, Trenton Elmore was boys Top Runner. Girls Top Runner went to Mary Lee Corley. Meghan Williams got the Top Field Event Award for the girls.

For boys varsity soccer, Zach Zissette was named Best Offensive Player. The Top Defensive Award went to Quame Dunbar. Porter Smith received the Coach's Award.

All-Region players include Porter Smith, Quame Dunbar, Joe Oswald, Steven Meadows, Zach Zissette and Lee Edens. Dunbar and Smith were also selected All-State.

For varsity cheering, Brooke Bell was named Most Improved and Most Spirited went to Whitney Cook.

Taylor Cornforth was the female athlete with the highest GPA. Seth Zissette was the male athlete with the highest GPA. Masey Mathias was the cheerleader with the highest GPA.

The three-sports letterman recipients were Ashley Frank, Donvona Lee, Meghan Lee and Willie Williamson.

In junior varsity baseball, Nolan Wyndham was named Most Valuable Player. For junior varsity softball, Lauren Perry was the recipient of the Coach's Award.

In junior varsity girls basketball, Sarah Riley received the Coach's Award. Ferris Nickens got the Coach's Award for boys junior varsity basketball. Ebone Walker was named Most Valuable Participant for the junior varsity cheerleaders. For junior varsity volleyball, Casey Kennedy received the Coach's Award.

In junior varsity football, Terry Williams was named Most Valuable Player.

For girls junior varsity soccer, Maci Still was named Most Valuable Player. In boys junior varsity soccer play, Austin Croft was named Most Valuable Player.