The Ottumwa Athletic Club held their annual awards banquet on Tuesday, May 13. Several students and parents were honored, including:
Outstanding Athlete Award: Megan Black and Conner Mier
Link Memorial Award -- This award is named in honor of John Link, a Walsh high school graduate who lost his life serving with the Green Berets in Vietnam. This award is to honor both athletic and academic excellence and is awarded to a senior boy and girl varsity letter winner with the highest grade point average. Awardees included: Emily Bittner, Andrina Helgerson, Megan Black, Chloe Dirksen, Cassaundra Jaegers, Jennifer Klodt, Virginia Kjer, Nick Sedore, and Titus Weller.
Hicks Memorial Award – This award is named in honor of former OHS athlete, David Hicks. The Hicks Award winners are determined by vote of all OHS coaches and goes to the boy and girl athlete who best exemplify athletics on and off the field. Awardees were Jennifer Klodt, Levi Cobler, and Cole Eklund.
Bernstein Memorial Scholarship – This annual award goes to a male and female football and basketball player. The awards are based on consistent performance and to the player who has not always been a starter or shared the limelight, but one that displays citizenship, leadership, a desire to play the game, and is supportive of their teammates. Awardees were Megan Black and Joshua Hudnut.
Eric Wertheim Scholarship -- Eric Wertheim was passionate about soccer. He played in high school, college, and for the Cedar Rapids Comets. He felt soccer was a universal sport that connected different people in a common sport. Wertheim lived in Ottumwa with his family. The family hopes to recognize high school soccer players and assist them in attaining their college goals. Awardees included: Katherine Lopez, Isaias Santos, Guillermo Trejo, and Misael Perez.
Tony Bishop Memorial Scholarship -- 1985 OHS graduate, Tony Bishop, played several sports but excelled in football. As a father, Tony spent several years coaching and umpiring various sports, including the Ottumwa Youth Football League. This award goes to one male and female senior athlete who participated in football, basketball, or softball. Athletes will be recognized for setting an example by his/her own commitment and dedication to the team and whose level of integrity is shown
beyond the sport. Awardees this year were Megan Black and Titus Weller.
Two parents were also recognized for their volunteerism efforts.
• Gene Schultz Volunteer Award (parent award): Kim Ardueser
• Howard Eslinger Volunteer Award (parent award): Pam Mier
