BUFF CHAMPIONS

After 30 years of running the clock, keeping book and announcing for just about every GHS sporting event, Sherri Wilkinson was honored with the Wyoming Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Distinguished Service Award on Tuesday, May 27 at the Buff Champions banquet. 

Wilkinson started helping when her own kids – Kate Hetzel, Brandy Kottman and Trey Wilkinson – were athletes. Between them, they did every sport but wrestling. Sherri Wilkinson, however, has even added that to her repertoire. 

“Who knows why I stayed after they got through … I just enjoy the kids, I guess,” Wilkinson said. 

Now, she has eight grandkids coming up through the ranks. 

“I’ll stay until they fire me,” Wilkinson joked. That day doesn’t seem to be on the horizon, with athletic director Nolan Tracy thanking Sherri during the banquet and requesting that she does not retire until he does. 

Also honored that night was Buff of the Year Wyatt Whaley, who received all-conference volleyball and track and all-state track recognition, along with an FBLA award. 

Teacher of the Year was Jonathan Cauffman, high school chemistry, physical science and eighth-grade science faculty. Diana Stephens was recognized as Classified Champ of the Year.

Yearbook advisor Lynn Forcella was named Sponsor of the Year after yet another state win. Senior Grainger Russell was honored as Activity Champion of the Year for his participation in yearbook and science research state championship. 

Rob Nuttall was named Coach of the Year with assistant coach Mark Sanford also recognized as their wrestling team captured fifth place at this year’s state tournament, the best finish in nearly a decade. 

Female Athlete of the Year was sophomore Perla Rodriguez Davila, who earned all-conference and all-state volleyball, all-conference basketball and FBLA awards this school year. 

Male Athlete of the Year went to junior Caiden Sorenson, who also made all-state football, all-conference wrestling and has completed three years of three sports at GHS.

Buff Fan of the Year was Tom Harrington and the Buff Service Award went to Becky Eichelberger.