
Marceline High Winter Sports Boys Honored
In addition to the previously-published Marceline High School girls honored at the March 15 winter sports awards program, 10 MHS boys were recognized by the head coaches of the basketball and wrestling squads for their performances and achievements this season. From left, freshman Drew Griffin was named the wrestling Tigers’ “newcomer of the year” and also earned the “takedown machine” award for having the most takedowns on the team. Senior Jace Bixenman was selected by the coaching staff as the MHS boys’ “most improved” grappler and also earned the “escape artist” award for the most successful escape moves on the season, head coach Andrew Stewart announced. Freshman Caden Mast was the basketball program’s “most improved” junior-varsity player, head coach Michael Severa disclosed. Junior Adain Daller received the basketball Tigers’ “most improved” award. Senior Wyatt Molloy was selected as the cage Tigers’ “offensive player of the year” and also was chosen to the all-Lewis and Clark Conference team. Senior Zach Niemeier received three basketball honors – “defensive player of the year,” the “Tiger Award” for dedication and hard work, and the “team captain” award for leadership. Senior Mason Barnett was selected as the “most outstanding wrestler” after placing second in the Class 1 state tournament. Senior Hunter Nelson received the wrestling team’s “Tiger Award,” along with recognition for having reached the 100-wins plateau for his individual career and the “finisher” award as the team leader in wins by fall. Also receiving special recognition, but not present for the post-event photo, were senior basketball player Will Heller, who, like Molloy, was voted to the all-conference team, and sophomore wrestling Tiger Conner Quinn, who got the “near-fall machine” and “reversal machine” statistical awards for pacing MHS’ boys in those maneuver categories. (Paul Sturm/LCL PHOTO)