The Estevan Comprehensive School Elecs football team honoured its best players and graduates on Thursday at their awards banquet at the Days Inn Plaza.
Families and supporters gathered to send off those who are moving on and encourage those who will return in 2014.
A total of 12 awards were handed out, highlighted by the most valuable player trophy, which was given to running back/kick returner Cole MacCuish. He also earned the top offensive back award.
MacCuish, a Grade 12 student, played several positions for the Elecs this year and was their No. 1 threat on offence, often shredding opposing offences for major yardage.
Coaches noted at the dinner that being able to make something out of nothing is one of the biggest reasons for MacCuish's success.
After the meal, the program began with team captains presenting each of the coaches with a gift.
The Parents of ECS Football then gave gifts to each of the graduating players, and each captain spoke about the impact football has had on them.
Parent Kyla MacCuish, whose sons Dustin and Cole both starred for the Elecs over the last few seasons, was honoured with a gift from the coaching staff and a standing ovation for the hours she has put in to help the team in recent years.
The coaching staff also reflected on the 2013 season, which represented a step forward from the previous year for the Elecs. They won one game over Vanier, and the next week held their own against Central in a 46-35 loss that head coach Mark Schott described as the team's best game in the three years he's been with the club.
Among the trophies handed out Thursday was the inaugural Bryan Illerbrun Memorial Award, presented in honour of the former
Saskatchewan Roughrider and Estevan resident, who passed away earlier this year. That award was won by Kyle Seipp, who was also named top defensive lineman.
Christian Bod was recognized for the team defensive MVP award he received following the Moose Jaw High School Football League championship game earlier this month.
Bod, a Grade 12 rookie, also earned the new Player's Choice award and shared the Who Are We honour with Seipp and Tanner Leptich.
Other award winners included Kaleb Memory (special teams player of the year), Riley Meshke (top defensive back), Anthony Wenner (top linebacker), Austin Garchinski (top receiver) and Colten Brokenshire (top offensive lineman). Dallas Dowhanuik and Austin Haukeness shared the top rookie award.
