 "Photo: Scott Mitchell, Photo Editor | Valley Star")
 "Photo: Scott Mitchell, Photo Editor | Valley Star")
The Monarch football team and members of the athletic department gathered in Monarch Hall last week to celebrate shared experiences and acknowledge the efforts of individuals both on and off the field at the annual football banquet.
The team was treated to pizza, pasta, and salad before the speeches and awards presentation began. Head Football Coach Jim Fenwick set the tone and direction of the night with a heart felt and poignant speech that focused on the importance of team work, effort, and what it takes to build a winning football program.
Fenwick thanked all of the players, coaches, trainers, and support people who worked hard and gave their best to the program. He re-affirmed his commitment of preparing every one of his players for a chance to get into a division 1 program, while emphasizing the importance of academics. He made a promise to each of his players that his support would not only show on the football field, but also in the classroom.
Fenwick thanked the sophomores for their leadership roles and for sharing their knowledge and experience with the freshmen. He then told the returning players that they had the responsibility of sharing their knowledge and work ethic with next year's freshmen.
"This is how a football program is built," said Fenwick.
Fenwick talked about the importance of being part of a team, pointing out that even though some players would be honored individually, the success of the program is in the hands of the entire team.
A 15-minute slide show and video clip of highlights was played, followed by each of the coaches making a short speech before passing out the individual awards. Hard work, character, dedication, and leadership traits were the words that were used by the coaches to describe the honored players.
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