Bogue Chitto athletes in all sports were honored Monday nightduring an awards banquet at the Multipurpose Building inBrookhaven. Bogue Chitto principal Bobby Allen served as master ofceremonies.

“We’ve had another great year in athletics and this banquet itfor you athletes,” said Allen. “We appreciate your efforts and ourcoaches. I’ve been at a lot of schools, big and small, and this ishe most organized coaching staff I’ve had the pleasure of workingwith.”

Don Dunn, Auburn University defensive line coach, was the guestspeaker. He was introduced by Bogue Chitto head football coach CarlCole who is a close friend of Dunn’s.

Dunn, who recruits much of southern Mississippi, said he hasn’tbeen home in 12 days because of spring recruiting. “I have an11-year-old son who I trust is obeying his mother while I’maway.”

In his message, Dunn said it was important to be honest andtrustworthy. “It’s okay to have manners and respect your parentsand teachers. It’s okay to be a good person and live a good life.It’s okay to tell someone you love them.”

Among the athletes receiving Most Valuable Player honors lastnight were Randi Moak and Jessica Melton in girls basketball,Tradell Black in boys basketball, Nathan Cutrer in baseball, MeleahBrown and Randi Moak in fastpitch softball and Jessica Melton inslowpitch softball.

Senior Marc Howard received the Monty Moak Award. Kristen Hattenand Howard were recognized as FCA Athletes of the Year.

Coach Mike Hodges presented the baseball awards and announcedhis retirement from coaching in the process. He coached the Bobcatsto back-to-back Division 7-1A championships.

Booster Club president Perry Brown and outgoing president EarlMoak received plaques of recognition from Allen, recognizing theircontributions to the program.

Allen reflected on the school year which was filled withaccomplishments and tragedy. Two football players, Zach Dunaway andChuck Ingles; and cheerleader Traci Sasser; were killed in autoaccidents on the same night, just two days before theseason-opening football game.

Allen recognized the parents of the three students and praisedthem for their continued support of Bogue Chitto athletics.

Bogue Chitto received international publicity for its strongstand on continuing pregame prayer, despite a Supreme Court rulingagainst student-led prayer. Allen closed the banquet with a grouprecitation of The Lord’s Prayer.

Bogue Chitto Awards Banquet

FOOTBALL: Scott Edwards, Outstanding Skill Position;Jacob Leggett, Outstanding Quarterback; Ernie Johnston, OutstandingLineman; Ace Wallace, Outstanding Linebacker; Cody Wallace,Outstanding Defensive Back; Denard Ferguson, Most Improved; VinnieBarksdale; Outstanding Multipurpose Player; John Wallace, BobcatLeadership.

GIRLS BASKETBALL: Jessica Thompson, Miss Hustle; KristenHatten, Sixth Man; Marquita Ratcliff, Team Co-Captain; YolondaDrummond, Rebounding Award; Randi Moak, Co-MVP; Jessica Melton,Co-MVP.

BOYS BASKETBALL: Tradell Black, Most Valuable Player;Carlos Brown, Best Offensive Player; Dominique Addison, BestRebounder; Marc Howard, Most 3-Pointers; Michael Blackwell, MostImproved; Johnathan Cutrer, Best Sixth Man; Cody Wallace, AcademicAward.

BASEBALL: Bryan Wallace, Most Improved; JohnathanCutrer, Best Defensive Player; Todd Davis, Hustle Award; NathanCutrer, Best Offensive Player; Jacob Leggett, Pitching Award; ScottEdwards, Coach’s Award; Nathan Cutrer, Home Run King, Most ValuablePlayer.

TENNIS: Randi Moak, South State 1ARunner-up.

GOLF: Drew Yawn, Team Medalist.

SOFTBALL: Karen Wallace, Scholar Athlete; MarquitaRatcliff, Speed/Power Award; Erin Edwards, Fastpitch Award; SusanReeves, Slowpitch Award; Randi Moak, Golden Glove; FastpitchCo-MVP; Meleah Brown, Fastpitch Co-MVP.

POWERLIFTING: Ernie Johnston, 2nd place SuperHeavyweight; Anthony Stevenson, 3rd place Super Heavyweight; CaseyMcCaffery, 1st place 242-pound class; Caleb McCaffery, 242-poundclass.