Post-season honors bestowed

The spring sports seasons are over and the votes are in for post-season honors, with Dogie athletes in soccer and track bringing home some swag.

In boys’ soccer, Caleb Hoover was selected as an All-Conference and All-State defender this season. Hoover was a starter for the Dogies in all four seasons that he has taken the pitch. According to head coach Sally Hoover, Caleb made the transition from the midfield to the defensive back line this year due to personnel needs and he stepped up, which 3A coaches across the conference and state noticed.

“Caleb not only took on that role and rocked it, but he was also our team leader and voice on the field,” Hoover said. “His soccer knowledge was invaluable this season with so many young, inexperienced players, and he took them under his wing and helped them grow. His leadership and work ethic will be missed!”

Caden Esposito earned Honorable Mention to the All-Conference team as a midfielder. Esposito scored four goals for the Dogies this season and was the strength of Hoover’s midfield, according to the coach. 

“We relied on Caden to not only win the ball in the midfield but to also move the ball and transition from defense to offense and help us get scoring opportunities,” she said.  

“He was our strongest ball handler this season and his love of the game
is infectious.” 

For the Lady Dogies, Hailey Beastrom earned All-Conference honors. Beastrom was a returning All-Conference player and also was a captain of head coach Cami Willyard’s team this year. She ended the season tied for the most goals made with three, and she also assisted on two other goals. 

“Hailey was an important part of our team this year. After moving to the midfield mid-season, she was able to defuse opposing attacks and was vital to our offense,” Willyard said. “Her free kicks and ability to see the field and distribute balls forward with both feet was pivotal to any offensive success.”

Ruth Rose ended her Dogie career earning Honorable Mention to the All-Confer-ence team. 

“Ruth had a great season for us and was one of our most consistent players as well as a captain. Her endurance was key as she never came off the field,” Willyard said. “We moved her to center back midway through the season and she helped keep us in the close games at the end of the year.”

In track, it’s the athletes’ performances in the regional and state meets that earn them post-season honors. In order to be All-Conference, you must win your event at the regional meet and to be All-State, you must be first or second. As such, two tracksters earned All-State honors, but a few others had notable performances to get Honorable Mention nods.

Adalyn Olson finished her sophomore year All-State in both the Long Jump where she finished first, and the 200 Meter Dash where she finished second. She was Honorable Mention to the All-Conference team in those two events and the 100 Meter Dash and 100 Meter Hurdles. Olson also established new Newcastle High School records in the 100 Hurdles and the 200 Meter Dash.

“Adalyn amazed us week after week with new personal records and school records. Her steady progress and competitive spirit made her a force this season,” said head coach Matt Conzelman, grinning. “With two more years to go, we are excited to continue to watch her as an athlete!”

Sam Scribner soared his way to All-State in the Pole Vault where he finished second and his second-place finish at the regional meet earned him Honorable Mention in that event as well. 

“Sam has had an outstanding senior track season! He’s been an exceptional leader and motivator for both NHS and (Newcastle Middle School) pole vaulters,” Conzelman said. “After setting a personal best of 10 feet, 4 inches as a freshman, it’s been incredible to watch his consistent growth and improvement throughout the years, and he flew 13 feet at regionals and at state.” 

Other athletes who earned Honorable Mention to the All-Conference team include Jayden Corley in the Triple Jump, CJ Hardy in High Jump and Collin McConkey in the 100 Meter Dash and Sprint Medley Relay team. Other members of the Sprint Medley Relay to be recognized were Landen Hill, Dane Crabtree and Sam Cunningham. 

“Jayden started the season strong at the Laura Chord Memorial track meet, but ended the meet with an injury. Despite that, he came back strong, qualifying for state in both the Long and Triple Jump,” Conzelman said. “CJ has had a great career in track and field through his four years. He won a state championship in the High Jump his junior year with a jump of 6 feet, 4 inches! His resilience, leadership, and positive attitude made a big impact on the team this season.”

“Collin”s strong work ethic and upbeat attitude lead him to a successful season,” Conzelman continued. “He continues to improve each year, and we’re excited to
see what he accomplishes
next year!”