By TODD MOORE
Barton Sports Information
The Barton Community College Athletic Department celebrated the 2024-25 seasons on Wednesday, April 30, at the Great Bend Convention Center 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 Ken Henderson, representing and introducing the Cougar Booster Club Board members.
Henderson then presented the 2025 recipient of the Booster of the Year award to Sandy Smith for all her contributions to Barton Athletics, the Booster Club, and support of student-athletes throughout the year.
Following brief recaps and highlighted student-athlete achievements from each of the College's athletic programs, the Department also recognized four special awards as nominated and voted on by coaches and staff.
The first grouping of awards were given to the Most Inspirational Student-Athletes, on the women's side Nineth Zuany of the dance program and Celine Riddle of the track and field team were nominated.
A story of obstacles and various challenges, Zuany was selected for her drive and passion for dance, her perseverance, leadership with enthusiasm, and overall inspiring testament.
On the men's side, Ethan Boles of the eSports program and Ayden Hadley of the baseball team were nominated, Hadley given the nod battling back from injury in leading the team in several offensive categories and carrying a near perfect GPA.
Earning the student-athlete of the year awards were Vivian Onugha of the women's basketball team for her record setting season and career achievements, along with Trevon Hamer of the men's track and field team continuing his dominance of junior college jump events, along with, program and national record book implications.
Other female nominees included: Mio Tanaka (soccer), Keliza Smith (track), Phoebe Reyes (volleyball), Meleia Ingram (softball), and Hope Resendiz (bowling).
Other male nominees included: Maxence Voinier (soccer) and Campbell Peterson (bowling).
Additionally, a pair of Athletic team members were recognized for their selection as Barton Outstanding Graduates, Paige Mink of the swim team and Tierra Yohon of the cheer program, as both were officially honored at the College's 55th Annual Commencement held May 9, 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.
Six individuals were recognized from the Athletic Training department. Named the top freshman last year, this year Kya O'Banion earned top Most Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer honors for her work with the softball team and leadership within the program. Additional awards distributed were: Angel Ibarra, top sophomore student; Taylor Sheehy, top freshman student; Thomas Burns, most improved sophomore; Peyton Ryan, most improved freshman; and Bethany Sears, the "Crutch" Award for her dependability and overall value to the department.
Complete list of Awards
Booster of the Year: Sandy Smith
Student-Athletes of the Year: Vivian Onugha (Women's Basketball), Trevon Hamer (Men's Track and Field)
Inspirational Athletes of the Year: Nineth Zuany (Dance), Ayden Hadley (Baseball)
Student Athletic Trainer Awards:
Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer: Kya O'Banion
Top Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Angel Ibarra
Top Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Taylor Sheehy
Most Improved Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Thomas Burns
Most Improved Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Peyton Ryan
The "Crutch" Award: Bethany Sears