STATENVILLE —
Elizabeth Young and Joseph “Joe Joe” Bennett have been chosen Echols County’s Wendy’s High School Heisman nominees for this year.
The two seniors are multiple-sport athletes and excellent students.
Young has played softball, basketball, cross country, track and golf at Echols County. She was a first-team All-Region 2-A shortstop for the Lady Wildcats’ softball team, and was chosen the Defensive Player of the Year.
She has also participated in drama, Senior Beta, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Farmers of America (FFA). While participating in these activities, she has strived to maintain an A average in the classroom.
“(Elizabeth is) truly a remarkable young lady. She has the heart of a champion, as well as the determination to push through regardless of the circumstances. She is definitely a winner on and off the field,” Echols County softball coach Rebecca Hill said in a statement released by the school.
“Elizabeth is truly a unique and special individual,” Echols County girls basketball coach Jordanna Carter said. “She is multi-talented with the natural ability to be a leader. She is extremely hard working, and has the ability to conform to any task laid upon her. Elizabeth has not only made a positive impact on the student body at ECHS, but on the school, its faculty and its community. Great things will come from this young woman.”
Bennett has played baseball and basketball and run cross country and track all four years of high school. On the baseball diamond, he was a first-team All-Region shortstop his sophomore year and the Defensive Player of the Year his junior year.
He is also an active member of FFA and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has maintained good grades in the classroom.
“Joe Joe is the type of basketball player that every coach wants to lead his team on the practice and game floor,” Echols boys basketball coach Jared Garner said. “He possesses an intensity for playing the game that goes far above the norm. He is a joy to coach because he is humble and willing to learn through mistakes and guidance. It is an honor to call him a Wildcat!”
“Joe Joe epitomizes the ideal student-athlete,” Wildcat baseball coach Jeff Guilliams added. “He is a great student who takes his education seriously, which puts him at the top of his class. In athletics, he pushes himself to be the best and leads by example. He makes all his athletic endeavors look effortless, but this comes from hard work and determination he has developed over time. I credit his work ethic and academic success to him and his family. This award exemplifies Joe Joe, as he is very deserving. I am very proud of him and happy for his family at this time.”
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Young, Bennett chosen Echols County’s Wendy’s Heisman nominees
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