Congratulations to the swimmers receiving the following awards at last nights season ending banquet.  Great job to all the Redwing swimmers this year!

MVP – Shane VanAbel (Jr)
100% Award – Koy Grams (Jr)
Most Improved – Ethan Gibson (So)
Coaches Award – Cam Hudgens (Jr), Ella Schafer (Fr)

Recent Stories:

Redwings Make Waves At Conference Finals
Redwings Get First Win vs Haslett

Editors Notes:

As a board member for the St. Johns Sea Lions, I am around the pool a lot and this is the High School team I am able to interact with the most.  I’m happy to be able to share some “inside the ropes” thoughts on these athletes.

Shane – During the first dual meet of the season, Shane was chased down from behind in the anchor leg of the 400 Freestyle Relay.  I personally think this fueled his season and I did not see him lose too many races this year (if any) after that.  He is a very talented swimmer who leads by example.  He is a Sea Lions coach who mentors younger swimmers and he will have a huge season next year with a full season of training.  He is a very deserving MVP.

Koy – Koy was undefeated in head to head breastroke races this year.   When he is pushed, he responds.  That’s why I cant wait to see what next year looks like for him.  As a former breastroker who had similar times when I was his age, I know what he is capable of and we talk about his goals often.  My guess is that he far exceeds those expectations next season.  Koy is another Sea Lions coach who gives back to the younger swimmers and he is a terrific role model for them.

Ethan – It’s hard to believe Ethan is only a Sophomore, he seems much more mature.  I enjoyed talking with him this season, he is a fun person to chat with.  He works hard and it shows, its not easy to earn this award in swimming.  I look forward to watching him compete in Shot Put this Spring!

Cam – Coaches Award seems very fitting for Cam. Before, during and after meets and practices, he seems to be the one firing up the team.  He must have swam every event this year, earning points for the team in all of them.  He is a lot of fun to watch and definitely deserves this award.

Ella – If your daughter doesn’t know the name Ella Schafer yet, she will soon.  Ella is a monster in the water and she seems to enjoy coaching just as much, if not more.  Every record on the board is in jeopardy in the next three years and I’m very excited to have a front row seat.

Coach Sperry and Childers – This was a very tough year to have as your first year as a head coach.  These two did a terrific job with this young and talented team.    They have tough shoes to fill, taking over for Hall of Fame coaches, but we all know they will do a great job.  The two of them have kept the sport of swimming alive in St. Johns with years of leading the Community Swim Programs and St. Johns Sea Lions Swim Club.  I am really excited to see the future success stories.  Lets Go Redwings!

We would love to highlight the award winners and success stories from each sport.  Please pass this information along to any coaches that might be interested in sharing.  Go Redwings!