Wildcat varsity teammates pose with their awards that were given out at the Galva High School March athletic banquet. Cyrus Hurd received the Wildcat Pride Award. Braden Murphy with his All-Academic Conference Award. J.P. Sloan with his First Team, all-conference honors, A.J. Traff with his GHS basketball letter and Blake Stahl with his all-conference honors. [Photo by Diana Whitney]

Seniors Blake Stahl and JP Sloan took several top honors at the Galva High athletic banquet on Saturday, March 14, where nearly two dozen junior varsity and varsity players gathered for the annual award ceremony.

Hosted by Zach Anderson, frosh-soph coach, Jake McClintic, varsity coach and Josh Harris, assistant coach, all three praised the group for their hard work, dedication and success.

Anderson, whose team ended the season with a 16-7 record, also took third place in the Lincoln Trail Conference.

“These young men did everything I asked,” he said. “They showed up, worked hard on their skills and did a great job.” He went on to say that many of their games were close, but he felt that such competition helped the team learn some valuable strategies.

Sophomore Tom Funke was given the JV Wildcat award. In presenting it, Coach Anderson notes that Funke does a great job for the team.

“He makes everyone else want to do their best as well,” the coach said.

He ended his presentation by thanking the players and their parents for a great season, and added with a smile, “Now, fellas, I expect to see you all playing football next fall.”

Jake McClintic, who said he “grew up coaching Galva sports,” led his varsity team to a 23-10 winning season.

“We lost the regional championship game, but we were the first team to get there in nine years.”

The team was first in the ROVA/Williamsfield tourney and number one in the Lincoln Trail Conference, he said, adding that despite some injuries and illnesses, the team was very successful. Aside from breaking the 9-year hiatus from the regionals, he noted that they beat Annawan for the first time and defeated every team in the conference at least once. “We also had a lot of fun.”

From left, Wildcats J.P. Sloan and Blake Stahl pose with their First Team All-Conference Awards. The two were also honored for scoring 1,000 points during their basketball career at Galva High School. Stahl, who made 1,500 points during his four years, was the individual high scorer with 52 points during his last season. Sloan was mentioned for scoring the most points in a season (427) and the most steals (81). [Photo by Diana Whitney]

Two Wildcats, Blake Stahl and J.P. Sloan, joined past greats such as standout Rich Falk by scoring 1,000 points or more during their high school career. They became numbers 13 and 14, respectively, on that list of Galva players to score that high. Both Blake and Sloan made first team, all-conference.

Stahl was cited for making the most points in a single game with 52 to his name. Sloan garnered the prize for the most steals in a game (81). Other seniors honored were M.J. Louck, for most assists (132) and turnovers (50), Reid Harris for the most rebounds (170) and J Smith for most free throws (69).

Ty Keup was recognized as defensive player of the year, and Braden Murphy for making all-academic conference. A.J. Traff, a team member his senior year only, was awarded his letter. The Wildcat Varsity Pride Award went to Cyrus Hurd. “Cyrus always had the best attitude, no matter what,” said McClintic.

Coach McClintic ended the evening by presenting his seniors with a binder of their playing history, complete with stats and photos of their seasons. “These fellas worked very hard,” he said, “There hasn’t been a day when they weren’t in a good mood.” He shared that the team’s optimism was contagious. ‘They kept me in a good mood, too.”

He and Assistant Coach Harris each thanked the team members and parents. “You have raised some great team members,” said McClintic.

The evening ended with parents and friends sharing congratulations with the players and visiting with the coaches.