Romanyk, Thompson voted Athletes of the Year
Sturgis girls track and field coach Lesley Starkey gave an emotional speech on Thursday.
She spoke of the dedication and persistence of senior Jillian Romanyk and her desire to achieve big things despite suffering a major setback. Those in attendance at the 100th annual Exchange Club All-Sports Banquet for Sturgis High School listened and agreed with what Starkey had to say while presenting Romanyk. Athletics, while important to Romanyk, do not define the person she is.
But ultimately, she was voted on by the Sturgis High School coaches as the Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year. She joined Jacob Thompson as the winners of this year’s award, which were presented by Trojan coaches and Director of Athletics Andy Hatt at Klinger Lake Country Club.
Senior student-athletes at Sturgis were highlighted and honored.
Following the ceremonies, Romanyk said she was a bit surprised about winning the award.
“Yes, I actually am surprised, really,” she said with a smile while holding the trophy following pictures taken in front of the clubhouse. “I worked hard, though. I never thought I’d win something like this, but I worked hard.”
Romanyk and Thompson join the long list – 100 now, it would seem – of Outstanding Athletes of the Year for SHS. Thompson was presented by head football coach Chance Stewart, who spoke of Thompson’s determination and love for his teammates that helped set him apart from the crowd.
Thompson said he was honored to win the award.
“Absolutely, it means a lot. I feel like I put a lot of hard work and dedication into my sports,” he said. “But not just my sports, but school and all that. I’m proud of myself, this means a lot.”
Stephanie Teeple, 2001 graduate of SHS and three-time pole vaulting state champion, was the guest speaker at the event.
Other presentations on the night included senior foil certificates. Wolverine Conference Scholar Athletes Halle Brooks and Tess Scheske were also recognized. Requirements for that award were GPA, two varsity letters as a senior plus SAT scores.
There were six Trojan Scholar Athletes honored as well. Requirements for that award were a 3.0 cumulative GPA and at least six varsity letters earned during high school. Recipients were Romanyk, Scheske, Emily Schuller, Kelsye Smith, Emma Zimmerman and Ethan Kent.
Both Brooks and Kent were awarded the Harry Paul Memorial Scholarship as well. They each received $500 scholarships as they fulfilled the requirements of being a college-bound senior, having at least a 3.0 GPA and earning a varsity letter as a senior. They also had to be nominated by a coach.
Outstanding Athletes of the Year needed to have at least five varsity letters during their time at SHS. Coaches then vote on the award. Romanyk and Thompson won the awards, but Hunter Kosmerick and Brooks were voted second while Owen Brewer and Smith were voted third.
Romanyk said she hopes this award, and recognition, can help others as well.
“Even if they have an injury, like I do, I want them to believe in themselves that they can do whatever they put their minds to,” she said. “It’s awesome, actually. Some people in the lower grades are in wheelchairs and this is a great example of what they can accomplish. I want to be a role model for someone that’s in my situation and hopefully this helps them see that.”
Romanyk will be competing at the MHSAA state track and field championships at the beginning of June.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Romanyk, Thompson voted Athletes of the Year
