The Messenger

The Trojans of Charles Henderson High School held their baseball awards banquet Wednesday night, recognizing the accomplishments of the players over the past season.

As Class 5A state champions, the Trojans had much to celebrate.

Head coach Steve Garrett opened the celebration with words of congratulations to the team and the parents who worked so hard all season long for the success they were finally able to achieve.

"We had an unbelievable, dream season," Garrett said.

Although the night was an awards night to honor specific accomplishments, the tremendous amount of awards given was indicative of the Trojans' success.

Garrett could not recognize the accomplishments of just one athlete because every member of the team made great contributions to achieve the team's goal, Garrett said.

"It was truly and absolute team effort. We didn't have any superstars on this team," Garrett said.

Each member of the championship team was awarded a commemorative plaque with pictures highlighting the season.

Parents and coaches alike passed out framed photographs and special mementos for the Trojans to remember their "dream season."

Although no captains were named during the season, Garrett gave every senior the captain award, recognizing their outstanding leadership during the course of the year.

With three pitchers all having 10 wins in one season, Garrett also found it difficult to single out one.

So, the 'Ten Game Winner Club" award went to Matt Johnson (11-4), Pete Van Horn (10-3) and Chad Jordan (10-3).

The Defensive Player award went to Chase Kelly. This year was the first time in Garrett's coaching career that this award went to an outfielder.

The Offensive Player award was given to Brett Pierce.

The Mr. Clutch award, given to the player that seems to get a hit or make a play at just the right time, went to Van Horn. Van Horn had six homeruns in the playoffs.

"He could look terrible on one at-bat and then have a great, game-saving hit the next," Garrett said.

The Player of the Year award went to senior Daniel Porter. Porter had 11 doubles, five triples and two homeruns this season. His slugging percentage was over .600.

"This young man had a great attitude and a great work ethic. He stepped up as a leader this year and had just a phenomenal season," Garrett said.

The most special award, especially to the seniors, was presented last.

The Terry Sikes Memorial Scholarship, given by the Troy Baseball Foundation and presented by Jennifer Sikes, went to Pierce. The $1500 scholarship will help next year as Pierce attends Troy University to continue his baseball career as a Trojan.

"All the seniors were very close to Terry and we all miss him very much. To get this scholarship in his name is a tremendous honor," Pierce said.

The banquet was almost a marker officially closing the season.

The team will miss the nine graduating seniors, but the community expects great things from next year's team as well.

Jennifer Lett can be reached at sports@troymessenger.com.