Laughter, smiles, hand-shakes, tears and plenty of applause were present at Panther Cafe’ during the recent MHS All-Sports Banquet.
“Before we get started, I want all athletes and coaches to stand up,” said Athletic Director Marvin Lindsey Jr. “The reason I’m doing this is because this year, we had a really phenomenal year in athletics. I wanted you to see all the people who made it possible. We won nine conference championships, three state titles and two state runners-up championships.”
But the highlight of the evening that drew more than 300 people was seniors Kadyn Roach and Kayleigh Sneed being named the 2019 Outstanding Male and Female Athletes of the Year.
“This is a great honor. All the hard work I put in over the years finally paid off,” said Roach, who will be heading to La.-Monroe next fall to play football. “I just wanted to show my skills on the court and on the field, while keeping my grade up.”
Sneed, who will be off to Vernon, Texas, Junior College to compete in volleyball, said she was both humble and excited.
“I’m just glad for everyone who has supported me over the years, especially my mother, who has been my biggest supporter,” she said.
Sneed participated in volleyball and basketball, being named to all-conference, all-state and all-state tournament teams. Roach, who also participated in track and basketball, shined in football as the Panthers’ all-time leading rusher with 4,579 yards. He was also named to the all-conference, all-state and all-state tournament teams.
Thirty-one of this year’s 117 senior student-athletes participated in more than one sport during the athletic season and winners were voted on by coaches in secret ballots. The senior athletes were part of 15 conference, six state and three state runner-up championships.
Another touching moment at the banquet was when Lindsey was brought to tears after his coaches presented him with a plaque highlighting his 42 years of service. He is set to retire June 30.
“I’ve been very fortunate and thank everyone for me having the opportunity to do what I did,” Lindsey said, after taking a minute to gather his emotions. “I thank all the coaches and athletes for their hard work. I thank the citizens of Magnolia for always supporting our athletic programs and the district.”
Lindsey, whose coaching career started in 1976 at Magnolia, summed his short remarks by saying, “I’m truly blessed for these 42 years I’ve been here.” He is scheduled to retire at the end of next month.
In his more than four decades of coaching, Lindsey has been associated with more than 1,000 student-athletes, put in countless hours of travel, witnessed 18 state championships, six state runners-up titles and numerous conference crowns.
“A colleague, mentor and leader. So many lives have been changed forever because of him. Let’s hear it for our fearless leader,” said assistant swim coach Gary Herron.
The more than 300 people in attendance at the year-end sports banquet gave Lindsey a standing ovation that lasted for approximately 30 seconds.
Lindsey, on behalf of the athletic department, paid tribute to senior athletic trainer Shemar Easter.
“It’s amazing how many athletes’ lives he has touched, as well as coaches’ lives. He is an amazing young man. I recall during the state tournament, Shemar was my right-hand man. Anything that was needing done, he did it,” said Lindsey, presenting him with a plaque for his dedicated service and countless hours of work to the Magnolia Athletic Department.
Individual sports awards
• Outstanding cheerleader: Claudia Franks
• Outstanding Dance Team dancer: Ashunti Weaver
• Football Defensive MVP: Stephon O’Guinn
• Football Offensive MVP: Kadyn Roach
• Outstanding Athletic Trainer: Shemar Easter
• Boys’ Cross Country Male MVP: Derrick Hubbard
• Girls’ Cross Country Female MVP: Janie Barham
• Outstanding Female Golfer: Megan Lindsey
• Outstanding Male Golfer: Connor Harrington
• Volleyball Offensive MVP: Kayleigh Sneed
• Volleyball Defensive MVP: Kristin Smith
• Outstanding Female Tennis: Abbie Jolly
• Outstanding Male Tennis: Kevin Zhao
• Outstanding Female Swimmer: Olivia Ferguson
• Outstanding Male Swimmer: Bailey McCook
• Girls’ Basketball Offensive MVP: Keshunti Brantley
• Girls’ Basketball Defensive MVP: Kayleigh Sneed
• Boys’ Basketball Offensive MVP: Derrien Ford
• Boys’ Basketball Defensive MVP: Kadyn Roach
• Softball Offensive MVP: C.B. Souter
• Softball Defensive MVP: Caitlyn McCormack
• Baseball Offensive MVP: Connor Harrington
• Baseball Defensive MVP: Dayton Dickson
• Girls’ Track Outstanding Runner: Alexis Martin
• Girls’ Track Outstanding Field Athlete: Stahja Hayes