BRIDGEPORT — The Bridgeport Exempted Village School District board of education recognized some stand-out athletes during the March 19 meeting.

Head Coach Brittany Hicks of the girls basketball team called up three of her players. Junior Hanna Brewer earned All-Eastern District Division VII Third Team and All-Mid-Ohio Valley League First Team. Junior Kaylee Baxter was All-MOVL Second Team and senior Rylee McElroy got All-Eastern District Division VII honorable mention and District 12 honorable mention.

“I’m here to present awards to some of my players who did a fantastic job this year,” Hicks said. “I don’t want your hard work and dedication to go unnoticed.”

Head Boys Basketball Coach Donnie Cash presented awards to his top players.

Junior Jaki Threet was Second Team District 12 Coaches and All-Eastern Division VII Second Team. Sophomore Jaleel Vincent was All-Eastern District Division VII First Team, All-MOVL First Team and First Team District 12 Coaches. Sophomore Coen Brinker earned All-Eastern District Division VII honorable mention and All-MOVL Second Team. Senior Avery Jackson was not present at the school board meeting, but he earned District 12 Coaches honorable mention.

Cash said coaches in the district vote on student athletes for the Coaches award, but they cannot vote for their own students.

“These guys worked hard throughout the year and their accolades prove it,” Cash said.

He said the All-Ohio Valley Athletic Conference and All-State award recipients have not yet been announced, since West Virginia’s state tournament was still upcoming for OVAC and Ohio’s All-State tournament had also not concluded as of the board meeting.

“They gave a good representation of our team and our school throughout the season.”

Head Wrestling Coach Matt McFarland introduced sophomore Cole Weekley, state qualifier and Academic All Ohio, and sophomore Ax’Zavior Santana, state qualifier and All-OVAC.

McFarland praised their work during the past summer months, adding they are ready to commit to training for excellence this summer. He said the Academic All Ohio recognition goes to student athletes who have maintained a 3.5 grade point average while also qualifying for the Ohio High School Athletic Association tournaments.

“I can’t think of more deserving guys,” McFarland said. “You guys have done great things.”

Afterward, McFarland added Weekley earned third at OVAC, second at the sectional tournament, third at the district tournament, and qualified for his first trip to the state tournament.

“He’s doing fantastic. He has a well-driven mind and he’s ready to keep on working,” McFarland said. “We want to be on top of that podium at OVACs.”

He said Weekley will work hard during summer, adding he has ambitions to compete at the OHSAA tournament.

McFarland said Santana showed impressive development since taking up sports as a freshman.

“He bought in with Cole. Him and Cole are very good friends, and they bought into this work and this lifestyle together, and with that reaped many benefits. When you buy into what it takes to be great, great things are going to come your way.”

He said Santana was fourth in OVAC and won first at sectionals and fourth at the district level, earning a trip to the OHSAA tournament.

“He wants to be one of the best, so he’s going to go back in this summer with us, and we’re going to be working and hoping to reap the benefits of what happens when you work hard and you do the things no one else wants to do when no one’s watching. We’re ready to live that way here in Bridgeport, and we’re going to see where it takes us.”

Board President Patrick McConnaughy congratulated the wrestlers on their performance during the Bobby Douglas Wrestling Tournament this past January.