By Bob Strohm
bstrohm@wbcowqel.com 

While the snowflakes were flying, the stars came out at the Trillium Event Center Monday night for the annual 2016-2017 Winter All-County All-Stars banquet.

Hosted by North Central Ohio Media Group (NCOMG) and sponsored by Spreng Capital Management, the 2016-2017 Winter All-County All-Stars banquet celebrated student athletes from the six county schools in basketball, cheerleading, swimming, and wrestling.

Colonel Crawford cheerleader Rhianna Clark spoke about how it felt being named an all-star.

“It feels pretty awesome. I wasn’t really expecting it, but I was so happy that I got it,” Clark said.

Clay Karnes who was part of Galion’s swim team that qualified for the state meet reflected on his favorite moment of the season.

“I got to say probably the best moment of the year was right after our medley relay when we found out that we made the state meet, that was a really cool moment,” Karnes said.

Receiving his first all-county all-star nod was Colonel Crawford senior Heath Starkey, who reflected on what it meant to be selected as an all-star.

“It is cool. It is different from last year. This is my first year back and being able to get any honors like this, so it is pretty neat to be rewarded this opportunity,” Starkey said.

Ty Clark was recognized for his work on the basketball court for the Crestline Bulldogs. Clark, who said his favorite moment of the season was beating Galion, explained what it meant to be an all-star.

“It feels pretty good to be recognized,” Clark said.

Buckeye Central junior Jenna Karl reflected on her favorite memory of her season with the Buckettes.

“I think getting to the regionals was the most exciting moment, especially since we haven’t been there in 20 years,” Karl said.

Receiving a nod for the second year in a row was Galion swimmer Brianna Wallis. Wallis noted that she was surprised at receiving a second nomination.

“I was a little surprised,” Wallis said. “I didn’t have the season that I had last year. I was all-star last year too, but thankful. It is kind of symbolic as I leave my swimming career.”

Bucyrus wrestler Damen Parsell spoke about his favorite moments of his all-star season with the Redmen.

“Some of my favorite moments was wrestling tough matches against high level kids at districts and sectionals,” Parsell said.

Wynford Lady Royals basketball player Gretchen Harris reflected on her favorite games from her all-star season.

“Both of our Ridgedale games were really memorable. We won by one each time and the second time we went into overtime, and it was a pretty exciting game,” Harris recalled.

Galion wrestler Garrett Kuns spoke about his wrestling season that garnered an all-star nomination.

“It feels pretty good, I had a pretty successful wrestling season and it worked out well,” Kuns said. “I had a pretty good district tournament, I felt it was the turning point for me.”

News and Sports Director for NCOMG, Gary Ogle, opened the evening thanking Jim Spreng, Dean’s Trophy House, Central Monograming, and the staff at Trillium Event Center as well as the staff of the NCOMG for all their work and efforts for making the evening happen.

PHOTO GALLERIES: 2016-2017 Winter All-County All-Star Banquet | 2016-2017 Winter All-County All-Stars 

Fall 2016 Honorees:

Boys Basketball All-County All-Stars
Ty Clark – Crestline
Cameron McCreary – Colonel Crawford
Jack Reed – Wynford
Jacob Shade – Buckeye Central
Heath Starkey – Colonel Crawford
Coach of the Year: David Sheldon – Colonel Crawford

Girls Basketball All-County All-Stars
Alexus Burkhart – Colonel Crawford
Gretchen Harris – Wynford
Jenna Karl – Buckeye Central
Shania Orewiler – Bucyrus
Courtney Pifher – Buckeye Central
Coach of the Year – Greg Moore – Buckeye Central

Cheerleading All-County All-Stars
Rhianna Clark – Colonel Crawford
Hannah Evans – Galion
Karlee Kirby – Buckeye Central
Madi Schiefer – Wynford
Sidney Stevens – Bucyrus
Kennedie Winkler – Crestline

Wrestling All-County All-Stars
Noah Grochowalski – Galion
Garrett Kuns – Galion
Bryce Lutz – Buckeye Central
Jaden Lutz – Bucyrus
Damen Parsell – Bucyrus
Coach of the Year: Brent Tyrrell – Galion

Boys Swimming All-County All-Stars
Jake Johnson – Colonel Crawford
Clay Karnes – Galion
Nic Motter – Colonel Crawford
Sam Rigdon – Galion
Eli Skaggs – Galion
Coach of the Year: Ted Temple – Galion

Girls Swimming All-County All-Stars
Allison DeNero – Galion
Jillianne Gregg – Colonel Crawford
Drew Krassow – Colonel Crawford
Pierce Krassow – Colonel Crawford
Brianna Wallis – Galion
Coach of the Year: Mike Holtzapfel – Colonel Crawford