At the end of every school year, the Free Lance selects the top
male and female senior scholar/athletes at Hollister High. Before I
list the criteria for which they’re chosen, let me state this:
At the end of every school year, the Free Lance selects the top male and female senior scholar/athletes at Hollister High. Before I list the criteria for which they’re chosen, let me state this:
In this, in my fourth year as sports editor of the Free Lance, I can honestly say the other years pale in comparison as to how hard this year’s selections will be.
Though I am still unearthing all relevant details, I can already tell that I have my hands full and that this will be no easy task. Both boys and girls categories are hard, but the competition runs even more stringent in the girls.
Most importantly (and heed this warning), even though all candidates are worthy selections for the moment, most of the eligible candidates still have approximately a month to go to go out and grab this prestigious award. It’s all for the taking. Go get it! Now is your chance! He or she who hesitates, is lost!
Now, the selection criteria, which runs fairly complex:
1) The candidate should preferrably have a minimum 3.5 GPA. Note ‘preferrably’ here. It is extremely doubtful that a candidate will be selected with a GPA below 3.2. SAT scores will also be considered, along with any Advanced Placement classes and grades achieved in those. The higher the GPA, the more consideration one earns.
2) All candidates must play two school sports minimum. Club sports do not count here, though club sports will be bandied about should the athlete be selected. Playing three sports, instead of two, means even more consideration. Two years ago, I selected Elzunia Wojcicka, who won the state long jump. Wojcicka only participated in track, but she was an outstanding sprinter, as well as hurdler. Had she just done the long jump, she would have not been selected.
3) The strength of competition comes into play. I know which sport has the tougher leagues or has the tougher individuals to compete against.
4) Winning and MVP, or a share of MVP is important, along with earning Central Coast Section honors. However, I’m also aware of any athlete who was “under”-awarded with respect to postseason laurels, or even, “over”-awarded, for that matter.
5) Having the respect of teammates is of the utmost importance. All coaches will be screened for information in this regard.
6) Coaches recommendation of the athlete will be held in high regard, as well. Does the coach concur with this selection? Does the coach concur the athlete has worked hard in practice and achieved all that he or she could achieve?
7) If one competes in a sport, such as track or swimming, I will examine how the marks and times, etc. compare with the rest of the Central Coast Section. Also, does this athlete own a school record?
8) This award is based on performance for senior year only (athletics-wise). If there is a tie, I will look at previous years to help break the tie.
Now my message to the underclassmen and even to local pre-high school prospective athletes: Get your grades up now! This award is an honor. You have to earn it.
And like my advice to these eligible candidates for the 2002-03 school year – go for it!
