It was a night of looking back and celebrating the accomplishments of Manitowoc County High School athletics. The 14th annual Night-of-Excellence awards, sponsored by Holy Family Memorial Lakeshore Orthopaedics, was held at Silver Valley Banquet Hall. Honors included: Comeback Athlete of the Year—Jordyn Schmidt—Manitowoc Lincoln…..Coach of the year—Bill Dietrich of State Champion Valders Cross Country…..Team-of-the-Year—State Boys Basketball champion Roncalli Jets…Female Breakthrough-Athlete—-Grace Melso—of Manitowoc Lutheran…..’Male’ Breakthrough Athlete recipient—Jack Linsmeier of Valders…..Female Athlete of the Year—Lauren Griepentrog (Greep’-en-trog)-Manitowoc Lutheran…..’Male’ Athlete winner—was Mitchel Schneider of Roncalli…..Female Commitment to Excellence—Brooke Behrendt—of Two Rivers……Male Commitment to Excellence—Brock Staudt (stout)—Manitowoc Lutheran…and Special Olympians of the year go to Mitchell Finnel (FIN’-El)—for Sportsmanship….Mike Pribek (PREE’-bik)—for Leadership…and, Ellen LeClair—for Teamwork. Krystine Kreplein (crip-LEAN’), athletic trainer & coordinator of the program, said it was an ‘exciting Night.’
The award winners were determined by a three member selection committee…consisting of local radio, newspaper and referee representatives.
