Brookhaven freshmen Arnancy Arnold and senior Chris Calcote received the Most Valuable Player honors Thursday night during their team’s Track and Field Awards Banquet.

Ole Brook Track coach Darien Dorsey welcomed the crowd to the banquet, held at the Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Department headquarters located on Highway 51 North. He later delivered the invocation.

“We had a very successful season, and this bunch of young men and women has really worked hard all season long,” said Dorsey.

“Last year at this time, we set a goal to make to state as a team. These young men and women accepted the challenge and really stepped up for Brookhaven. I am so proud of their effort,” continued Dorsey. “Next year, I look to win it all. Our new motto for next season is ‘We are not here to rebuild but to reload.'”

Dorsey’s team finished fifth in the state in boys’ competition, and the girls placed seventh

Prior to presenting the awards, Dorsey thanked his assistant coaches, Craft, McLaurin, Butler, Johnson and Willis, for their hard work. He also thanked the booster club, parents, friend and sponsors for their support. “You helped make our team successful.”

Waverli Culver and Kiantrei Thomas were recognized as the team Captains. Mya Newton and Kiantrei received Most Improved Award honors. Culver and Calcote earned recognition for the Most Valuable Field Event Participant.

Arnold and Thomas were selected for Most Valuable Distance Runner. The Most Valuable Sprinter honors went to Jerricka Williams and Shuntez Smith.

Marte Jones received the Coaches Award, Ben Robinson was presented the Panther Award and Fredericka Fairman and Tyler Thomas earned the Therrell Tanner Award.

Diamond Herring and Scottie Tate captured Scholastic Award honors.

Several players were recognized during the banquet and received certificates for participation, fundraiser recognition, varsity letter recognition and State 5A participation. Seniors were recognized and were given trophies, bags and Bibles that were purchased by the boosters and sponsors.