CONTRIBUTOR

Terri Carter

The fourth annual Owl Awards Show was held recently at the Oldham Theater in honor of the late local legend, “Big Al” Tipps.

 Each year, local athletes are nominated for various categories within the athletic arena, highlighting not only their athletic abilities and talent, but the grit, perseverance and all-around heart it takes to be a true champion, whether it’s on a field, court or their place in the community and school. 

Nominees for Overall Male Athlete of the Year were Grant Jernigan and Brandon Walker with Walker taking home the title for his performance with Franklin County High School in basketball and track and field.

Nominees for Overall Female Athlete of the Year were Cali Banks, Na’Kayjah Holman, and Skylar Roberts with Holman winning the award as a basketball and track and field star for FCHS.

Spring Male Athlete of the Year nominees included Avery Jackson, Jed Ashley, Monte Johnson and Edward Phrommala with the winner being Jed Ashley from Huntland for his baseball performance.

Spring Female Athlete of the Year nominees included Kinah Mason, Kaitlyn Montgomery, Amarah Williams and Payton Dearing with Montgomery winning the category as an FCHS softball player.

Winter Male Athlete of the Year nominees included Grant Jernigan, Brandon Walker, Cooper Stevens and Micah Tipps. The award went to Stevens after a strong season of wrestling.

Winter Female Athlete of the Year nominees included Alli Smith, Na’Kayjah Holman, Stratton Davis and Riley Maxwell with Smith emerging as the victor for her wrestling exploits.

Nominees for Fall Male Athlete of the Year included Josh Smith, Garrett Patterson, Kingston Maxwell and Grant Jernigan with Jernigan taking home the title as the quarterback of the Huntland Hornets.

Nominees for Fall Female Athlete of the Year included Gracen Baggett, Avari Rice, Ali Smith and Sylar Roberts with Roberts bringing home the title following a strong cross country campaign for Huntland.

Nominees for the Freshman Male category included Grant Parkerson and Micah Tipps with Tipps being named the winner as he contributed to Huntland as a football, basketball and baseball player.

Nominees for the Freshman Female category included Leah Hardison, Hadley Jolley, Airiana Hill and Addilyn Carter with Jolley being named the winner as a soccer, basketball and softball player for FCHS.

Being recognized for her unwavering fight against the health scare that was heard around Franklin County and beyond, the Grit Award was presented to FCHS athlete Gracen Baggett.

This year, the Grit Award was presented in honor of another local legend, Kevin Syler.  After his recent passing, Syler’s legacy was further honored by the family asking for donations to the Grit Award in lieu of flowers to honor Syler.

The Big Owl award, an award given in honor of the event’s namesake Al Tipps, was awarded to Kingston Maxwell. 

Also wanting to recognize the hard work and dedication of the coaches behind the sports, awards were given to the Male Sport Coach of the Year and Female Sport Coach of the Year.

Nominees for Male Sport Coach of the Year included Zack Norwood, Jason Woodall, Grant Gipson and Kermit Reed with Reed taking home this year’s title as the head coach of the gridiron Hornets.

Nominees for Female Sport Coach of the Year included Darrell Jolley and Grant Gipson with Jolley securing the title as the head coach of the girls basketball Rebelettes.