Last week the Western Highlands Conference recognized a number of student-athletes as All-Conference selections in its respective fall sports. A host of Avery Vikings were tabbed with the All-Conference or Honorable Mention All-Conference moniker. Below is a listing of the Viking honorees in each sport.In cross country, junior runner Mary Chesnut Smith received All-Conference recognition as she finished fifth overall at the Western Highlands Conference meet in October. Smith had a strong showing in regional competition and qualified for the state cross country meet.
In varsity football, three Vikings, Dylan Aldridge, Andy Gonzalez, and Taylor Potter were recognized as All-Conference, while teammates Colton Blackburn, Nathaniel Buchanan, Kenny Hicks, Tyler Long, and Alex Villanueva were honored as Honorable Mention All-Conference.
Aldridge served as a punter, tight end, defensive linebacker and lineman, as well as saw plays in the offensive backfield and on the offensive line. He recorded 60 tackles (including 10 TFL) and registered two and a half sacks for the season. He also caught a touchdown on four passes as a tight end.
Potter was the defensive heart and soul for the Vikings in 2009, as he led the team in tackles with 88 stops. He scored a touchdown rushing the football, as well as caught 18 receptions for 228 yards and a pair of scores. Potter also made an impact on special teams, leading the squad with a 19.1 yards/return average on 20 kickoff returns.
Gonzalez led Avery in receptions with 39 for a team-high 746 yards. The sophomore caught seven touchdowns, including the game-winner in the regular season finale against Mitchell, as well as a team-long 95 yard touchdown in the season opener at Robbinsville.
In women’s golf, Catalina Lehmann was the lone Lady Viking selected All-Conference. Lehmann consistently improved throughout the season and represented Avery in the regional golf tournament when she captured a sixth place finish at the conference golf tournament in October.
Men’s soccer saw two Avery players, Kyle Griewisch and Brock Yackey, tabbed All-Conference as the Vikings experienced one of its best seasons in school history and a ranking as high as fifth in the NC state soccer 1A poll.
Griewisch led the Avery team in goals scored as the Vikings finished
Senior Morgan Bounds was selected as Co-Goalkeeper of the Year in the conference, as he pitched seven shutouts between the pipes during the season, including an impressive four straight during the month of October.
In women’s tennis, Anna Melton, Lauren Avery, and Morgan Stout were tabbed All-Conference during the fall. Avery and Stout experienced individual successes, but worked well together in doubles play. The duo advanced out of the conference to regional competition.
Senior Melton had a great season which saw her as one of the top singles players in the conference. Anna competed at Regionals and qualified for a berth in the state tennis tournament.
In volleyball, Savannah Dellinger was the only Lady Viking to be named to the All-Conference squad. Dellinger served as hitter for the Big Red, and became a team leader in her first season of varsity action. Dellinger was active offensively as the team’s kills leader, and more then held her own defensively on the floor with a numerous variety of digs and blocks.
Great job to the Vikings on a brilliant 2009 fall sports season!
