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When opposing coaches mentioned the Bryan Vikings football team, they were quick to pinpoint running back Stan McGruder and defensive tackle Torlan Pittman.
At the Bryan Athletic Department's fall sports banquet Monday, Vikings' football coach Bob Bellard mentioned them late when handing them some of the top awards.
McGruder was named Most Outstanding Viking, an award selected by his teammates. Pittman was named Most Valuable Player in the final award presented.
Pittman joined linebacker Elton Holmes, defensive end Thomas Ponzio and guard Gage Crenshaw as team captains, which were voted on by fellow players.
Ponzio and quarterback Garrison Kickham won the Academic Award.
The Vikings Awards, which Bellard said was "presented to the players who put the Vikings in front of themselves," was given to Korey Davis and Trent McLean, while the Heart Award, which was instituted last year, was shared by offensive lineman Michael Grossman and defensive lineman Carter Parks. Another offensive lineman, Jeff Bernal, shared the Most Improved award with cornerback Andre Carter.
The Defensive Award went to defensive lineman Mike Martin and to Jaron Gentry, who played in the Vikings' secondary. Center Nick Searcy and wide receiver Gary Hammond earned the Offensive Award.
The volleyball awards included Best Offensive Player, which went to seniors Kallie Pence, the Lady Vikings' setter who will play at Fairfield University, and to outside hitter Megan Destefano. The Best Defensive Player award-winner, libero Amanda Cune, will play at Louisiana Tech.
Jennifer King, whose grade point average is 4.7, won the Academic Award and also was named the winner of the Triple D Award (discipline, determination, desire) for coach Caroline Simpson's team.
Second-year cross country coach Justin Estes presented awards to his team as well. Stephanie Mazurkiewicz and Justin Bullard were MVPs. Erin Drgac and Tyler Hosea were Most Improved, and Aaron Williams and Shelby McGee were selected team captains.
Head athletic trainer Josh Woodall presented awards to the Bryan student trainers. Monica Menchaca won the Academic Award. Senior Kimberly Reeves was named Most Dedicated and won the Senior Leadership Award, which was voted on by her fellow student trainers. Kayla Pivonka and Darla Waddle were Most Improved. Allyson Rosati was voted Outstanding Freshman.
The early portion of the banquet was dedicated to the Rudder freshman teams. Athletic coordinator C.M. Pier said the Rudder teams would have their own varsity banquet next year.
• David Campbell's e-mail address is david.campbell@ theeagle.com.
