Trinity Lutheran High School hosted its winter athletics awards program Monday evening at the Bollinger Athletic Complex.

The school recognized 58 student-athletes for participation in the school’s four winter sports programs. Each team presented most valuable player, most improved and the Cougar Award.

Mike Lang, girls basketball coach, thanked the administration, his coaching staff, parents and those who volunteer to help the program.

“It takes a lot of people to pull this off,” he said.

Lang said the team had a good year of development and finished 17-10.

He presented the Cougar Award first, which recognized an athlete who works hard and displays a positive attitude.

Lauren Fleetwood was presented with the award. Lang said she worked hard, did the little things and never complained during practices.

“She does the little things right and she’s going to go far in life,” Lang said.

The most improved player award went to Hannah Sabotin.

Lang said Sabotin worked hard over the summer and improved to surprise him.

She went from scoring six points last season to 227 points this year. She also had 244 rebounds with a school record 25 rebounds against Crothersville.

Co-most valuable players were Savannah Harweger and Sydney Jaynes.

Lang said Harweger was strong, scoring 362 points, grabbing 177 rebounds along with 77 assists and 28 steals. She will finish her career with 829 point, which is the top five in program history.

“In my opinion, she’s the best female athlete in this county and the best this county has seen in a long time,” he said.

Lang said Jaynes takes basketball lessons, practices on Sundays, works out and does what she can to continue to improve. She had 384 points, 203 rebounds, 86 assists, 106 blocks and 42 steals.

“She works hard,” he said.

Lang became emotional when he presented the senior awards, which go to four-year players. His daughter, Emilee, is one of those seniors.

“These kids become your family because you get to know them so well,” he said. Lang said there were difficult moments between him and his daughter, but off the court they are close. “Off the court, she’s my best friend. It’s harder to watch a player walk off the court the last time when it’s your own kid because you know it’s the last time they will come to practice or a game with you.”

Swimming coach Doug Sabotin presented awards to his team. It’s a small team with just Rachel Sabotin and Ethan Myers.

But Doug Sabotin said he approached the team no differently, telling the audience that the three met before each meet and practice to discuss goals.

The team competed in five meets.

Myers was able to drop his time for freestyle during the first meet in December and by 10 seconds when he participated in the sectional six weeks later.

Rachal Sabotin also took podium at state and sectionals.

“Do your best, have fun and honor God in everything we do,” Sabotin said how he led the team throughout the season.

Brooke Cardlin, cheerleader coach, said the team has been practicing for seven months as they covered football and basketball seasons.

Abby Hildreth was given the mental attitude award,

“Abby had to learn a new position this year and never complained,” Carlin said.

Alyssa Huber was given the Cougar Award, Carissa Newcome was given the most improved player and Anna Benter was most valuable player.

Carlin said each cheer leader had great personalities and were very energetic during games to help bring spirit to the crowds.

Boys basketball coach Brian Stuckwisch presented awards to his team. He told the audience it was his last season to coach at the school as Trinity planned to hire a new one.

A press conference is scheduled for March 25 to announce the new coach.

The players voted on the awards, Stuckwisch said, and Rylie Bartels received the Cougar award.

“Rylie always showed up and gave a good effort,” Stuckwisch said.

The most improved player was Aden Jones and most valuable player was A.J. Goecker.

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