Monday, March 20, 2006 • 7:00 PM
The 2005-2006 basketball season came to a close Monday night at the annual wrap up and awards night. First year freshmen head coach Kevin Bishop led a freshmen team this year which focused on living out 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 which reads, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." Coach Bishop commented on each individual player's contributions to the team, and highlighted four players which received an individual award. The always-hustling, diving on the ground Brian Franz received the most improved player award. Jon Lang's intense and tough defense earned him best defensive honors, and the smart-minded, skilled, and fundamentally sound guard Eric Albaugh was given the Coach's award. The most outstanding player, voted on by the team was Josh Rak who was both mentally and physically tough underneath the basket, and contributed greatly to the team's success.
The sophomore team, headed up by coach Matt Hockett, who is in his 9th year as a head or assistant coach in addition to four years as a player from 1990-1994 talked about the year his team experienced. The fact that this year's sophomore team was a hardworking team was emphasized as the primary strength of the players collectively. Jason Roy, who worked past an injury early in the season supplied a consistant and pure-looking three point shot, was named the most improved player. Jared Cochrum was described as athletic, competitive, and a Godly individual and received the coaches award, and fellow big man Paul Werkema, the sophomore team's "go-to guy" was dubbed most outstanding player. The team finished with an admirable record of 13-9.
Head varsity coach Andy Euler piloted the Warriors this year to a winning 16-11 record. With six seniors on the team, and a skilled junior/sophomore group playing a supporting cast, the varsity team fought back from an 0-5 start to their season, winning the next 16 of 23 games. Coach Euler recalled some highlights of the season in the way of a triple overtime win in St. Louis, a well fought double-OT loss to East Aurora, and the enjoyment the team found in their stay in Paducah, Kentucky over Winterim playing in the Superman Classic. Each member of the team was talked about and encouraged to get to work in light of next year's bright future for WA. The graduating seniors were talked about and thanked for their commitment to the program as well as the senior parents, who played an intricate part in the players' careers. Leading scorer Jeremy Parker, who earned many honors throughout the season as an all-tournament player and Daily Herald player of the week was named co-MVP alongside John Tillery who made the transition to the point guard role this season and was remarkably accurate from three point range. Co-captain Axel Cerny, noted for his intense work ethic and demeanor was voted best defensive player, and the other senior captain Jason VanderVeen, a three-year starter was given the Coach's award. Filling the role in part from long-time varsity assistant Doug Scheidt's departure was Mike Vazquez, a basketball-minded man who served an essential role this season in all aspects of the team's well-being, particularly in the relational realm of things. Coach Vazquez, affectionately nicknamed "Squeeze" became a part of Wheaton Academy basketball this year. Axel Cerny thanked Coach Euler for his perserverence and hard work in coaching these past three years publicly as the evening drew to a close. Coach informed parents and players alike of some exciting opportunities for next season including a Wheaton-Shoutout vs. Wheaton North, participation in a Buffalo Grove Thanksgiving tournament, a potential game at the United Center, and a tournament opportunity in Florida. The night, as always, was a good way to close the season.
Award Synopsis
Freshmen
Most Improved — Brian Franz
Most Outstanding Player — Josh Rak
Defensive Player — Jon Lang
Coach's Award — Eric Albaugh
Sophomores
Most Improved — Jason Roy
Coach's Award — Jared Cochrum
Most Outstanding Player — Paul Werkema
Varsity
Defensive Player — Axel Cerny
Coach's Award — Jason VanderVeen
Most Outstanding Players — Jeremy Parker, John Tillery
Most Improved — Nate Williams |
