Ballenas Whalers football honoured players, coaches, parents and volunteers who made 2018 a memorable one at their awards banquet, held at the Parksville Community Centre on Monday night.
Both the Whalers junior and senior teams earned a spot in the provincials and played against schools that eventually made it to the finals, which head coach Dan Smith said was an achievement they can be proud off.
He congratulated all the players for their dedication and commitment on and off the field. He also thanked all the coaches, the parents, and volunteers for all their contribution and hard work.
This year’s most valuable honours were handed out two players, who the coaches felt exemplified good leadership on and off the field. For the seniors, it is quarterback Ben Chomolok and for the juniors it’s Jack Giroux.
Also being honoured were the Whalers that were named to the provincials all-stars — Adrian Friesen, Zach Mosher and Demar Hohnstein. All three were also named to the BC High School Football Western Conference all-stars along with Ty Barker, Kolby Jack and Nathan Robinson.
The Whalers that were honoured:
Seniors
MVP — Ben Chomolok
Most Inspirational Player — Scotty Williams
Outstanding Offensive Line — Zach Mosher
Outstanding Defensive Line — Ty Barker
Weight Room Award — Kolby Jack
Most Improved Player — Gage Geiger
Luke Whibley Award for Most Sportsmanlike — Malcolm Hudson
Leadership Award — Adrian Friesen
Outstanding Defensive Back — Joe Chaput
Outstanding Linebacker — Adrian Friesen
Special Teams — Damon Thompson
Outstanding Receiver — Nathan Robinson
Scholar Athletes — Zach Mosher and Joe Chaput
Ragnar Award — Ty Barker
Outstanding International Player — Luis Luna
Juniors
MVP — Jack Giroux
Most Inspirational Player — Jonah Anderson
Outstanding Lineman — Luis Luna
Most Improved — Braedon Osmond
Leadership Award — Bruce McCabe
Outstanding Defensive Back — Ryker Sansbury
Special Teams — Wylee Franks
Outstanding Back/Receiver — Gage D’Lerma
Scholar Athletes — Wylee Franks and Jack Giroux
Ragnar Award — Ryker Sansbury
International “Rudy” Sportsman — Fabior Fortis
Also honoured were Gail Magee, who was presented the Papa Joe award, coach Harold Barker, who was the recipient of the Sean Hines Award, and Beth Robinson for the being the most enthusiastic Whaler mom.