The Barton Community College Athletic Department celebrated Wednesday night the 2021-22 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 introduced special guest Iris Jenkins. A long-time employee of Great Wester Dining, the College's food service provider, Jenkins was greeted to the stage by a rousing standing ovation by the over 300 in attendance in response to her friendship and "mom" relationship to the students. Jenkins retires from GWD next week to begin a new chapter in Oklahoma closer to family.
On behalf of the Cougar Booster Club, Rolfs presented the current vice president of the club Janice Link with the Booster of the Year award in recognition of her active involvement and support of the Club's mission and to the athletic department throughout the year.
Nominated and voted upon by coaches and staff, the athletic department also recognized its individual achievements by student-athletes. Earning the student-athlete of the year awards were volleyball's Mylena Testoni recognized for her second consecutive first team All-American selection and program record book impact, and baseball's Alex Rodgers as the program's stolen base record holder continues his assault in other all-time best categories.
Inspirational athletes nominated and voted upon in respect for their stories-behind-the-story rising to accomplish collegiate achievements were awarded to volleyball's Tasiah Nunnery and men's swimming's Josias Solarte.
Rolfs also made the announcement and recognition of a pair of student-athletes being selected as Barton Outstanding Graduates, Jaycee Patton of the softball team and Tom Gehring of the men's golf team. Both will participate and have roles at the College's 52nd Annual Commencement held at 7:00 p.m., May 13, at the Barton Gymnasium.
Also honored 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. Recognized from the Athletic Training department, Brogan Buckhalter earned top honors as Most Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer for his work and leadership within the baseball program. Additional honors distributed were: Shelby Sibley, top sophomore student; Emma Sanders, top freshman student; Anthony Twiggs, most improved sophomore; and Alicia Enriquez, most improved freshman.
Complete list of Awards
Booster of the Year: Janice Link
Student-Athletes of the Year: Mylena Testoni (Volleyball), Alex Rodgers (Baseball)
Inspirational Athletes of the Year: Tasiah Nunnery (Volleyball), Josias Solarte (Men's Swimming)
Outstanding Student Athletic Trainer: Brogan Buckhalter
Top Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Shelby Sibley
Top Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Emma Sanders
Most Improved Sophomore Student Athletic Trainer: Anthony Twiggs
Most Improved Freshman Student Athletic Trainer: Alicia Enriquez
Barton Outstanding Graduates: Jaycee Patton (Softball) and Tom Gehring (Men's Golf)