Soccer, Volleyball Wrap at Awards Dinner

Heather with one of her signature sets at the Eagle's gym

 Fall sports wrapped up for DPCA Thursday, October 30 with the Fall Sports Awards Dinner.  Athletes from Girls Junior High, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Volleyball teams, as well as from the Boys Soccer team, were recognized for their commitment, dedication, playing skills, and sportsmanship during the fall athletic season.

Coaches Tom Navarrette and Barb Burdges presented awards and recognition to the girls junior high volleyball team.  Each of the girls was congratulated briefly for their hard work and commitment, then special honors for the season were presented to Charis Mayton for Most Improved Player, and to Halley DeWalt for Most Valuable Player. Both coaches agreed, "We had a great season with just six girls playing, and we regularly beat bigger and older teams. We're proud of these young players, and we're looking forward to a great season next year!"

Becca on the attack at the FRCAA tournament

Coach Ben Little followed with awards for the JV and Varsity Volleyball teams.  "Our girls really came together and played well as a team this season," Mr Little said. "We had really great athleticism and a very talented team, and though all of us would have enjoyed placing higher at the tournament, it was great to get that far, and I'm really proud of these girls." Mr. Little had an affirming message for each of the girls, and then presented Most Improved for Junior Varsity to Sarah Dages.  Varsity honors awards were Keely Campbell with Most Improved, and Heather Burdges and Rebecca Pranger both capturing MVP for their critical and very different roles on the team - Becca as an attacker and all-around team leader, and Heather for her team leadership and superb passing and setting skills that made her teammate's attacks possible.

Garrett, Cole, and Sam move the ball forward vs. the Falcons

Campbell and Pranger were also honored with All Tournament awards, while Pranger and Burdges received All Conference titles.

Noah pours it on

Last on the program for the evening were the boys from DPCA's first ever Men's Soccer Team.  Head coach Kandice Alkire and Assistant Coach Erik Ritschard had some fun with their presentations to the boys, awarding each a 2014 TS (Totally Serious) Soccer Award. Awards ranged from the "Greased Lightning" award commemorating Seth Turner's speed on the field, to the "Most Willing to Just Stand There and Take It" awards shared by goalies Garrett O'Neal and Nathan Van Deel.  "It really takes at least 15 guys to have a soccer team," Mr. Ritschard noted, "and the most we were ever able to bring to a game and put on the pitch was 10. We never had any subs, and in most of the games the other teams put more players on the field than we did. So these guys worked and played with a lot of heart, and we're very proud of them."

Seth with a big clearing kick

Honors presented to the soccer players went to Cole Carroll for Most Improved, and to Noah Ritschard for MVP.  "Noah was all about team leadership and working to the best of his ability all season," Coach Alkire said, "And I'm proud to have worked with him and all these guys this season." The All-Conference title was awarded to Seth Turner, and in presenting the award, Coach Alkire commended him for his team leadership and hard work all through the season also.

Cole, MIP; Seth, All Conference; Noah MVP

Other teams and coaches throughout the Front Range Christian Athletic Association recognized the hard work and consistent effort of the DPCA boys as well, voting the Eagles team the Fall 2014 FRCAA Soccer Sportmanship Award.  Athletic Director Tom Navarrette said, "Several of these other Athletic Directors came up to me and mentioned how impressed they were with the way you guys conducted yourselves when you were being outmanned in game after game.  Well done - you maintained your cool and your Christ-like attitudes under pressure, and we are proud of you!"

Coach Navarrette also took the opportunity to thank some of the key volunteers who helped make Fall sports run smoothly - the fall coaching staff; wives Bernadette Navarrette, Jani Ritschard, Julie Little, and husband Kevin Burdges, for their support and encouragement for the the program, coaches, and athletes; Erik and Venus Phillips for helping with game books and general support; Brad and Marla Pranger for team photography and general support; Sherry Turner for snack bags and publicity help; and all the parents who provided rides, clean laundry, and encouragement for their student athletes.

Becca, All Conference, All Tournament, MVP; Keely, All Tournament and MIP; Heather, All Conference and MVP; Sarah, MIP