The 2015 Whiting football team came together one last time with friends and family for the postponed (due to the Oilers' incredible championship run) Fall Sports Banquet on Thursday.
The Oilers celebrated their 13-2 record season along with the many titles this fought for this season. The titles they earned were Sectional 33 Champions, Regional Champions, Semi-State Champions, and Class 2A State Runners- Up.
“It was awesome run. The kids played very well at the right time. Anything can happen. We’ve had goals set from the beginning which are the same as every year, but the kids really took it to heart,” said Head Coach Jeff Cain.
The coaching staff and team also said their final goodbyes to the seven seniors. Rudy Becerra, Martin Petruf, Chris Dietz, Mitch Alicea, Cody Emigh, Aj Fruth, and Jose Cruz leave behind dedicated years to the program and expectations for the team to finish what they started.
“They're a great group of leaders. We have a lot of good players coming back, and we’ll need more to fill the leadership shoes of the ones who’ve left,” said Coach Cain.
The scholarship in name of former coach, Vic Sahagun, was presented by Coach Jennings along with Mr. And Mrs. Sahagun.
“It’s bittersweet, but I’m proud we’re able to offer this scholarship. We can continue his legacy of helping kids reach potential,” said Coach Brett Jennings.
Vic dedicated many years to the little city on the lake’s football program. His passing last year shocked the team so to honor him they dedicated their season to Coach Vic.
“He was super dedicated and always looked forward to coming to football. I hope the team keeps working hard, get good grades, go to college, and be successful because Vic would have wanted that. He only wanted the best for the kids,” said Assistant Coach Fernando Sahagun and brother of Vic.
The scholarship was presented to Martin Petruf who received a $1,000 scholarship with a football helmet trophy engraved, “2015 Vic Sahagun Scholarship Recipient” and his name. His name will be put on two plaques, one located near the Memorial gymnasium and in the football locker room. Petruf was also awarded MVP of the year.
“It is important to me that I won the scholarship because it means so much to the Sahagun family. I looked up to Vic as a teacher/mentor. He was a huge inspiration to me. He always made sure I was doing my best whether it was in the weight room or on the field. There won't be a day when I don't think about him,” said Martin Petruf.
Coach Cain acknowledged the people that helped him lead a successful team. The trainer, ball boys, videographers, assistant coaches, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator were thanked for being “coaching staff of the year” as Coach Cain said it. The senior captains handed out signed team pictures to parents on for their efforts in the program. A special thanks went to art teacher Mrs. Rena Mindas and Mrs. Jean Lovasko, Booster Club sponsors, for their enthusiasm to help and boost Oiler spirit throughout the season.
Every team member who had not previously lettered earned their letter and pin. Those who have lettered received their bar. All players received team photos printed by Memory Makers. Freshman John Furto was awarded the Scout Teamer award. First Team Academic All-Conference awards went to Becerra, Dietz, and Petruf. All Conference Honorable Mention went to Fruth, Caleb Macon, Dylan White, and Becerra. First Team All Conference went to Dietz, Petruf, Stuart Glascow, Isaac Sahagun, and Mitch Alicea. Kenny Padilla received the Special Teamer award. Rookie of the Year went to Tom Davenport. Macon received the Mental Attitude/Comeback Player of the Year award. Isaac Sahagun earned the Top Defensive Lineman award. Digger award went to Brent Reel. Alicea received the Oiler award. Captain Crunch award went to Becerra. Dietz earned the Defensive MVP award. Offensive MVP was awarded to Glascow. Petruf received Overall MVP.
Oiler football season 2016 begins January 4th in the weight room.