By TODD MOORE
Barton Sports Info
The Barton Community College Athletic Department celebrated Wednesday night the 2022-23 seasons with its end-of-the-year celebration. Held annually in conjunction with its partnership with the Cougar Booster Club, the Department recognized and celebrated the accomplishments of its teams and individual student-athletes.
Following a brief welcome, Master of Ceremony and Athletic Director Trevor Rolfs was joined on-stage by Cougar Booster Club President Rob Bowman in announcing Eric Gotsche as the 2023 recipient of the Booster of the Year award. A long standing member of the Club and supporter of Barton Athletics, Gotsche was chosen by Board in recognition of his contributions to the mission and the many 'thankless' behind-the-scenes duties he's accomplished including his leadership with the annual golf tournament.
Following brief recaps and highlighted student-athlete achievements from each of the College's twenty-two programs, the athletic department also recognized four special awards as nominated and voted on by coaches and staff.
Earning the student-athlete of the year awards were track and field's Kelsie Murrell-Ross for her dominance in junior college and program record book implications and Gustavo Campos of the men's tennis team for his national success and impact on not only the Cougar program, but to the women's program and College overall.
Pornnapa Inmee and Cougar Downing were named the 2023 Inspirational Student-Athletes, each nominated and voted upon in respect for his/her journey of overcoming personal challenges.
Rolfs also made the announcement and recognition of three student-athletes being selected as Barton Outstanding Graduates, eSports' Ashton Ensley, Kayden Smith of the softball team, and Keeley Wolf of the women's basketball team. Each will participate and have roles at the College's 53rd Annual Commencement held at 7:00 p.m., May 12, at the Barton Gymnasium.
Also recognized throughout the event were the many "behind the scenes" personnel of staff, faculty, facilities, team managers, and the athletic training staff aiding in the care of student-athletes.
Five individuals were recognized from the Athletic Training department. Named the top freshman last year, this year Emma Sanders earned top Most Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer honors for her work with the track and field teams and leadership within the program. Additional awards distributed were: Kaden Pontius, top sophomore student; Brad Beck, top freshman student; Rylee Ayon, most improved sophomore; and Shoei Kawamura, most improved freshman.
Complete list of Awards
Booster of the Year: Eric Gotsche
Student-Athletes of the Year: Kelsie Murrell-Ross (Women's Track and Field), Gustavo Campos (Men's Tennis)
Inspirational Athletes of the Year: Ponnapa Inmee (Women's Golf), Cougar Downing (Men's Basketball)
Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer: Emma Sanders
Top Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Kaden Pontius
Top Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Brad Beck
Most Improved Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Rylee Ayon
Most Improved Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Shoei Kawamura