In a season where they went undefeated in the Trans-Valley League and lost just one game the entire campaign, Escalon's varsity baseball team raked in plenty of awards.
The recent sports awards night at Escalon High saw those honors presented, and the softball squad also recognized its top players in what turned out to be the final season for head coach Dianne Teixeira, who submitted her resignation.
For the baseball team, players recognized were Josh Miguel as the Trans-Valley League Most Valuable Player in addition to receiving the team co-MVP honor and a Golden Glove award. Matt Valencia was named the TVL Pitcher of the Year, team co-MVP and received a Golden Glove. Gino Franceschetti was tapped as the TVL Defensive Player of the year, got a Golden Glove and shared the Chris Martinez Most Inspirational Player award with Trey Balber, who also pulled down All-TVL honors.
Nathan Chunn was an All-TVL selection and was co-Most Improved. Josh Vandagriff received co-Most Improved Player, with coaches awards going to Phillip Kimble, Alec Nerland and Tad Dimas. All-TVL selections were Patrick Mulry (also Golden Glove) and Brent Montgomery, with the George Williamson Award for outstanding senior, on the diamond and in the community, going to Jake Hood. Robbie Steves was an All-TVL selection and Honorable Mention for the TVL went to Phillip Kimble, Matt Roberson and Jake Hood.
For the varsity softball team, which just missed out on a trip to the playoffs this season but has had great success with Teixeira at the helm, honors went to several players for their efforts. Amber Brady was voted Most Improved, team Most Valuable Player awards went to Kristin Beckman and Lexis Prim, with coaches awards going to Adalia Cajias and Ashley Schuurman. Voted co-Most Inspirational were Nicole Bianchi and Illiana Cajias. Bianchi and Beckman were also named to the All-TVL team. Injured senior Ami Hood, unable to play this season due to a knee injury, was the only senior on the squad and received a special Dedication Award for continuing to come out and support the team and serve as a bench coach for the 2012 Lady Cougars.
Teixeira was given a plaque in recognition of her time with the team and the success, including two Section titles and four TVL crowns.
"Her passion is being here for our kids," Athletic Director Mark Loureiro said in recognizing Teixeira at the spring sports awards night, noting that she has the same passion in her work, as a head surgical nurse at Oakland Children's Hospital. "We will truly miss her."
Junior Varsity coach Malinda Walker offered her own remarks when recognizing her players, citing Teixeira as "a special person" who was instrumental in her path.
"She helped me remember my love for the game," said Walker.
The recent sports awards night at Escalon High saw those honors presented, and the softball squad also recognized its top players in what turned out to be the final season for head coach Dianne Teixeira, who submitted her resignation.
For the baseball team, players recognized were Josh Miguel as the Trans-Valley League Most Valuable Player in addition to receiving the team co-MVP honor and a Golden Glove award. Matt Valencia was named the TVL Pitcher of the Year, team co-MVP and received a Golden Glove. Gino Franceschetti was tapped as the TVL Defensive Player of the year, got a Golden Glove and shared the Chris Martinez Most Inspirational Player award with Trey Balber, who also pulled down All-TVL honors.
Nathan Chunn was an All-TVL selection and was co-Most Improved. Josh Vandagriff received co-Most Improved Player, with coaches awards going to Phillip Kimble, Alec Nerland and Tad Dimas. All-TVL selections were Patrick Mulry (also Golden Glove) and Brent Montgomery, with the George Williamson Award for outstanding senior, on the diamond and in the community, going to Jake Hood. Robbie Steves was an All-TVL selection and Honorable Mention for the TVL went to Phillip Kimble, Matt Roberson and Jake Hood.
For the varsity softball team, which just missed out on a trip to the playoffs this season but has had great success with Teixeira at the helm, honors went to several players for their efforts. Amber Brady was voted Most Improved, team Most Valuable Player awards went to Kristin Beckman and Lexis Prim, with coaches awards going to Adalia Cajias and Ashley Schuurman. Voted co-Most Inspirational were Nicole Bianchi and Illiana Cajias. Bianchi and Beckman were also named to the All-TVL team. Injured senior Ami Hood, unable to play this season due to a knee injury, was the only senior on the squad and received a special Dedication Award for continuing to come out and support the team and serve as a bench coach for the 2012 Lady Cougars.
Teixeira was given a plaque in recognition of her time with the team and the success, including two Section titles and four TVL crowns.
"Her passion is being here for our kids," Athletic Director Mark Loureiro said in recognizing Teixeira at the spring sports awards night, noting that she has the same passion in her work, as a head surgical nurse at Oakland Children's Hospital. "We will truly miss her."
Junior Varsity coach Malinda Walker offered her own remarks when recognizing her players, citing Teixeira as "a special person" who was instrumental in her path.
"She helped me remember my love for the game," said Walker.
