First Annual Fall Sport Banquet celebrates LHS athletes

By Shari Harris, Publisher

The First Annual LHS Fall Sport Banquet was held Tuesday, November 18, at the Fox Community Room. Parents, family and friends filled the room to celebrate the dedication, teamwork and achievements of the student-athletes of Licking High School’s Cross Country and Volleyball teams.

Cupcakes and punch were served at the event, which was opened by a prayer from student-athlete Lilly Godi.

Cross Country Head Coach Kayla Kinder and Assistant Coach Leah Sullins handed out awards to the Cross Country runners. On the girls team, the Resilient Runner award went to Karissa Malikowski-Whitten, and Olivia Clayton earned the All-Out Effort award.

Kierum O’Daniel was deemed Most Likely to Forget Shoes and Shorts; Ethan Stout was recognized for a Strong Finish; Caleb Barker was awarded the Heart of the Team; and Tyrone Merdian was Rookie of the Year on the boys team.

Coach Kinder awarded the Wildcat Award to Karissa Malikowski-Whitten and Olivia Clayton was Most Valuable Runner for the girls team; the Wildcat Award went to Ethan Stout, Caleb Barker was Most Improved, and Tyrone Merdian was Most Valuable Runner for the boys team.

Head Coach Tammy Gorman announced awards for the 2025 Lady Wildcats Volleyball team. This year’s team consisted of three seniors, two juniors, four sophomores and seven freshmen. Accomplishments included winning the Frisco League Quad and winning the District Championship. Coach Gorman awarded each member of the team a fun award before naming other awards.

This year’s Hustle Award went to Bailie Medlock. Paxten Keeney and Peyton Holland were co-winners of the Most Improved Award. Senior Jadyn Barnes earned the Excellence in Academics and Athletics Award. Kylee Rinne received the award for Defensive Player of the Year. The Coaches’ Heart Award went to Adalee Hart. Lilly Godi earned the Sportsmanship Award. Senior Kate Mitchell received the Miss Wildcat Award. Offensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year both went to freshman Penelope Huff. The Leadership Award and Most Assists Award both went to Hadlee Davis. Senior Addison Floyd earned the Most Valuable Player Award.

Coach Gorman congratulated her team for improving throughout the season to peak in October, winning the District championship and making it a great fall. Volleyball Asst. Coach Brenlee Smith shared that the Junior Varsity Volleyball team had a lot of fun but also saw a lot of growth throughout their season. She is excited to see what they can do next year.

Student-athletes who lettered were also able to pick up their letters and/or pins at the event.