Year End Banquet... A bittersweet farewell to our seniors

Last night, the Hendersonville High School Soccer program held it annual banquet at Hendersonville's First Baptist Church. Most everyone involved in this year's successful campaign was able to attend, with just a few notable exceptions; some had previously planned vacations, another was representing his school at a state academic competition and yet another was on her way to Houston to partake in the Texas Shootout College Showcase... good luck to you Marcela, we're all pulling for you and along with the other absentee players, we missed you!

The event was a bittersweet affair as it is every year, for it is time to say good bye to our graduating seniors, this year 11 total; 5 Lady Commandos and 6 Commandos. All will continue their higher education at a variety of universities. Additionally, three will continue their soccer careers at college, two at Carson Newman University– Cameron Eades and Jordan Moore and Michael Bolt will play for Coastal Carolina University.

Although not one to be comfortable in the spot light, head coach Russ Plummer found himself, at times the center of recognition and attention for his momentous achievement of career win number 500 which happened on May 2, 2006 against Mt. Juliet.

First of came a recognition by the Hendersonville High School Soccer Foundation, which presented coach with a beveled glass plate commemorating the occasion, followed by a State of Tennessee Congressional Resolution (#1000) presented by State Senator Diane Black and at the end a presentation from HHS Athletic Director Darren Frank. Gotcha coach!

The night did belong to the athletes, however. As both teams, first the girls then the boys were introduced, everyone left assured that the program is left in good… no – great hands, or rather… feet.

Traditional presentation of awards and honors were handed out to many, including two newly created scholarships. The first one is the Lenora Bolt Scholarship underwritten by Andy and Linda Bolt in memory of Andy’s mother. The first recipient of this scholarship was DD Beard. The second, The Carol Stefek Memorial Scholarship was created by the Hendersonville High School Soccer Foundation Board of Directors to honor a great friend and supporter. Present at this year’s banquet was Hendersonville High School Soccer Alumni and All-American Andrea Stefek to congratulate the first recipient, Amy Gray. Two more scholarships were presented, the Patsy Vickory Memorial Scholarship went to Lindsey DeLaney, and the Brittany Danielle Plummer Scholarship presented to Lauren Roth.

The highlight of the evening had to be, by far, the senior “talks”. Traditionally, the girls fill the air with well planned, thought out speeches, and this year Amy Gray made papa proud. But not to take away from anything any of them did, the boy’s impromptu deliveries left everyone in stitches, to say the least. Given the opportunity, given a microphone and a captive audience, true personality traits come out in the open. Most of us present had never seen this side of the senior six. We’re glad we were present to witness.

Coach Plummer reminded us that there will be no rest for the weary. Many of our players will play with their club teams in the Div 1 State Tournament in Memphis next week, plus tryouts for the girl’s fall 2006 season are this coming Monday at 10 AM!