Engadine Athletes Recognized During 46th Sports Awards Banquet
By David Latva

Senior Sports Award winner Shauni Rutledge with her parents, Smokey and Dani Rutledge.

Shauni Rutledge was awarded the 33rd Senior Sports Award and Mike Schutt, a 1998 graduate of Engadine High School, was inducted into the Golden Eagle Family during the 46th annual athletic award banquet to honor student athletes at Engadine Saturday, April 19.

Rutledge lettered five years in basketball and four years in volleyball and track while receiving All- Upper Peninsula, All-Conference, and The St. Ignace News All-Area honors during her standout career. She was presented the National Scholar Athlete Award from the Marine Corps and United States Army, as well.

Rod Carlson, Eagles coach from the 1960-70-80 era, presented the qualifications about Mr. Schutt of Honolulu, Hawaii, who was unable to attend. His parents, Richard and Jean Schutt, and brother and sisterin law, Jim and Marla, accepted the award.

"Mike was a standout baseball, football, basketball, and track performer, but his first love was baseball," said Mr. Carlson. "He was a true student athlete that carried over to college, and eventually a military career."

The Golden Eagle Award was presented to Mike Schutt of Hawaii, who was unable to attend. Pictured are his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Marla Schutt, his mother, Jean Schutt, presenter Rod Carlson, and his wife, Eileen Carlson, and Mr. Schutt's father, Richard Schutt.

Mr. Schutt presented the acceptance speech from his son, Mike, thanking everyone, especially the Golden Eagle committee, for the honor.

"Who we are today is a reflection on our parents, teachers, coaches, and teammates," said Mr. Schutt.

Football: Veteran coach Howard Hood, who has resigned after 17 years, presented the following awards:

John Troyer, Upper Peninsula All-Class Dream Team, was presented the Roger Nesbit Leadership Award, Co-most Valuable Player Award, Mid-Eastern Football League Defensive Player of the Year, All-Area.

Troyer, a track all-state performer in the throwing events, will participate in the first Upper Peninsula All-Star football game to be played at the Superior Dome in Marquette Saturday, June 28. He has decided to attend St. Norberts College in Wisconsin, where he will play football.

Marine SSGT John Wodkowski of Gaylord presented the National Scholar Athlete Awards to Shauni Rutlege and Michael Bennett.

Michael Mast received the co- Most Valuable Player Award and Defensive Award; Joel VanHise, the Senior Award; Ryan Draper, the Most Improved Player; and Tim Rose, the Lineman Award.

Volleyball: Coach Kathy Miller presented Tristina Browing with the Most Valuable Player, All-Region, All-Confernce, and All-Area awards; Shauni Rutledge, the Hitting Award and All-Region, All- Conference, and All-Area; Jamie Maison, the Most Improved Player, All-Academic Award; Lauren MacArthur, the Mental Attitude Award; Shannon Browning, the Backcourt Support Award; and Kayla Miller and Elisa Hobbs, the Coach's Awards.

The Eagles finished the season with a 22-9 overall record, winning the Eastern Upper Peninsula Conference (EUPC) championship and capturing their fourth consecutive district title.

Senior John Troyer with Coach Howard and Cheryl Hood (left) and his parents, John and Susie Troyer. The younger Troyer will participate in the Upper Peninsula All-Star football game Saturday, June 28, at the Superior Dome in Marquette, and will attend St. Norbert College in the fall.

"Team chemistry, with just seven girls, was the key, and our team motto, 'Be All You Can Be,' played to our success," said Coach Miller

Girls Basketball: First-year Coach Daryl Browning presented Lauren MacArthur with the Most Valuable Player Award; Elisa Hobbs, the Most Improved Player; Tristina Browning, the Floor General Award; Shauni Rutledge, the Enforcer Award; and Shannon Browning, the Hustle Award.

Hugh Bigelow, junior varsity coach, and his Eagles squad went 19-1 on the season and won the EUPC championship. Kayla Miller was Most Valuable, Lynzee Bigelow was awarded Most Improved, and Leah Blanchard earned the Coach's Award.

Boys Basketball: Coach Elmer Albright, in his fourth season, guided the Eagles to a 12-9 overall record, second place in the EUPC.

Varsity volleyball award winners include (from left) Tristina Browning, Elisa Hobbs, Lauren MacArthur, Shannon Browning, Shauni Rutledge, Kayla Miller, and Jamie Maison.

He presented John Troyer with the Most Valuable Player Award; Killian Frisch the Most Improved Player; Michael Bennett, Coach's Award; Nathan Butkovich, the Defensive Award, and Phillip Hood, Mr. Hustle Award.

Ty Elenbaas, junior varsity basketball coach, awarded Michael Klobucher with the Most Valuable and Tyler Bennett with the Most Improved designations.

Service Awards: Michael Bennett and Shauni Rutledge received the National Scholar Athlete Award from the Marine Corps and United States Army.