In spite of a 1-8 record during the high school football season, the Galesburg Silver Streaks still had plenty to recognize and honor during its annual postseason banquet last night.
Coach Mike Washabaugh pointed out 7 of the team’s 9 opponents this year made the playoffs, but the team still had three first team all-conference players, and one received honorable mention. They were running back Kobe Ramirez on offense, and linebacker David Vaynerman and punter James Hayden on defense. Defensive lineman Cody Thomas was Honorable Mention.
Additionally, Academic All-Conference honorees were seniors Hayden, Mason Valley and Austin Whetstine with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Vaynerman, meanwhile, was recognized as an Academic All-Stater in Class 5A.
Individual awards went to:
- Kobe Ramirez as bell offensive player. Ramirez is GHS’s all-time leader with 34 touchdowns. Ramirez also received this year’s Most Valuable Player award
- Defensive player of the year was Vaynerman, who led the team with 102 tackles.
- Best lineman was Cody Thomas who never left the field on offense or defense and was a member of every special teams formation.
- The Coaches Award went to Mason Valley for representing the program’s high ideals and for his great work ethic
Additionally, assistant coach Jay Barshinger was honored again for his 33 consecutive years of coaching within the football program and for his ongoing mentorship of all coaches who have been part of Silver Streaks football. Barshinger is retiring at the end of the school year. The freshman team also received props for its perfect 8-and-0 season.
