Zephyrhills High School rolled out the red-carpet Thursday for the inaugural Dogscars All-Sports Awards ceremony.
Coordinated by ZHS cross country coach Matt Page, the well attended first-time event recognized athletes, teams, coaches, moments, and community involvement.
Taking home the Dogscar for Female Athlete of the year was multi-sport athlete Naljah Gildon while state champion weightlifter Malachi Woodard claimed the Male Athlete of the Year.
Doyle Springfield, father of the late Zachary Springfield, a former Zephyrhills cross country runner and track at ZHS before losing his battle with cancer, presented the Perseverance Award. The ZHS Girls Basketball Team, who played its first season since the death of their coach Chris Smith, took home the award after Springfield delivered a powerful slide show and speech about his beloved son.
The Girls’ Cross Country Team’s performance at the FHSAA State Championships was selected as the Best Moment of the Year. The Girls’ Weightlifting Team took the honor for Team of the Year. The Varsity Cheer Squad was honored with the Underdog Award.
Girls’ golfer Gracie Sullivan won the Breakthrough Performance Award and multi-sport athlete Jenna Goodman won the Sarah Vande Berg Sportsmanship Award and the Female Scholar Athlete Award. The Girls’ Tennis Team also earned the honor for highest Team GPA. The Male Scholar Athlete of the Year was presented to Joel Torres Espinoza.
Page received the Coach of the Year Award while teacher Tara Rowe claimed the Bulldog Fan of the Year Award. Longtime basketball coach Alan Reed received the Best Community Involvement Award