SSHS Recognizes Winter Athletes

SEELEY LAKE - The Seeley-Swan High School (SSHS) winter sports awards banquet was held March 14 at Seeley-Swan High School. The banquet was held to present varsity letters, pins, chevrons, All-Conference and Academic All-State awards to members of the SSHS varsity winter sports team members.

Lady Blackhawks Head Coach Shawn Holmes highlighted some of the stats for the seniors on the team. They have a high school career record of 91 wins and 11 loses.

The seniors have won four conference and district titles, taken second and third at divisionals and placed fourth at state.

This year the Lady Blackhawks averaged 49 points per game and finished third at the Western C Divisional.

Lady Blackhawks Assistant Coach Michael Robbins took a minute to praise Coach Holmes. Holmes, who has been the Lady Blackhawks Head Coach for the last 10 seasons, is retiring from coaching basketball.

"Great coaches change lives," said Robbins. "I can think of dozens and dozens of young ladies that come back year after year and tell Mr. Holmes how they are succeeding."

"I'm pretty sure Mr. Holmes doesn't sleep during basketball season," said Robbins referring to Holmes' dedication and time commitment to the team.

Blackhawks Head Coach Mike Haines said the boys had a tough season and had to work through lots of injuries and sickness.

Haines commended Chance Johnson for not missing any of the 60 practices. He also noted that Hunter Shelmerdine and Cordell Turner only missed one practice while Cameron Haines only missed a couple.

"Basketball is one of the toughest ones [to make all the practices] because it goes over two major holidays," said Coach Haines. "It's a heck of a commitment."

Coach Haines highlighted the two seniors on the team, Bradley Miller and Nino Robinett. Both played though injuries and gave it their all. Robinett took 22 charging fouls during the season.

Letters, Pins & Chevrons: Students earned a Letter if basketball was the first activity they have lettered in along with a Pin. Pins are awarded to students who have previously lettered in another activity. Chevrons are awarded to students who have previously lettered in basketball.

For the Lady Blackhawks, students must make the tournament team or be in the top 12 to Letter. The Boy's follow the same guideline but Coach Haines added a couple extra awards this year.

Academic All State: For students to receive this award they must have a 3.5 or higher grade point average at the end of the first semester and have lettered in basketball.

All Conference: This award is given based on a vote by all the coaches in the Seeley-Swan's district, 13C.

All State: To receive this award a student must first receive All Conference. Coaches from the 28 schools in the Western C Division then vote on who the top athletes are.