1/26/12
By Becca Warfel
If you walk through the main hallway at Neoga Jr. Sr. High School, you may notice the two new plaques on the North wall. Depicted on them are Julie Walk and Jaimee Roy, two former athletes who were honored at the State Medalist Awards Night on January 6th. The awards night was part of a new program at Neoga that recognizes state medalists in track and cross country. Past medalists gathered in the high school library during the boys’ basketball game to take photographs and reminisce about their athletic careers. They also enjoyed an assortment of drinks and cookies provided by the Neoga Booster Club.
The athletes were recognized in the gym between the junior varsity and varsity basketball games. Athletic director Mr. Jeff Wooters gave a short speech about the program before Mr. Tim Mueller, the current track and cross country coach, took the stage to introduce the medalists. 13 out of the 14 medalists, or representatives for them, were able to attend the ceremony and receive their awards. Among them were Fred Swengel, Scott Swengel, Neil Luallen, Clint Hymes, Andrea (Baker) Yurs, Tim Dow, Chris (Roy) Snyder, Shane Bradford, Julie Walk, Damian Poe, Curtis Flake, Eric Deters, and Jaimee Roy. Also recognized was the late Charles Comstock. Because they achieved state championship status, Julie Walk and Jaimee Roy both received commemorative plaques that are on display in the main lobby.
This program will continue to honor athletes who “go the distance” and achieve excellence. “These former athletes have left a high standard of performance and competition that our future athletes have to aspire to,” said Mr. Jeff Wooters. “Their commitment to the Neoga High School track and cross country program as students is now an inspiration to our present members.” Current track member Ryan Evans said “It brings me pride to run in the footsteps of these former medalists.” The enthusiasm of the younger generation of athletes will ensure that the track and cross country programs will continue to run strong in Neoga.
pic caption(back L-R): Curtis Flake, Damien Roe, Gary Bradford, Clint Hymes, Fred Swengel, Scott Swengel, Neil Luallen
(front L-R): Eric Deters, Jaimee Roy, Julie Walk, Carol Bradford, Jordan Bradford, Christine(Roy) Snyder, Tim Dow, Andrea (Baker) Yurs
