Columbus end of year athletic awards

The Columbus Cardinals and Lady Cardinals gathered recently to give out their end of year awards on Tuesday, May 12, in the Columbus Hall.

The awards given out were the Female Cardinal Spirit Award, the Male Cardinal Spirit Award, the Female Most Valuable Athlete, the Male Most Valuable Athlete, the Female Torch Award and the Male Torch Award.

Starting with the Female Cardinal Spirit award, the recipient was none other than Caylie Neisner. Fans of the volleyball team know how much of a vocal presence Neisner is on the court and how she is always bringing positive energy around her teammates.

Couple that with the fact that she is a cheerleader and was constantly on the sidelines for the football team cheering them on to victory.

As for the Male Cardinal Spirit Award, there were two athletes that were selected: Rylan Carruthers and Cooper Osborne. These two were two athletes across multiple sports that were used in many different ways.

They did not really have a set role, but they did a great job of doing whatever the team needed them to do. Much like Neisner, they both brought very positive and coachable attitudes while always cheering for the Cards in whatever sport or event they were competing in.

The Female MVP Award was given to Thea Schobel, and it was the right pick. Schobel competed in volleyball, basketball and golf this season for the Lady Cardinals.

Not only did she compete in these sports, but she was a major factor in every game she played in. Specifically in basketball and golf, Schobel led both teams to deep playoffs runs with her play.

In golf she even led the Lady Cards to the state championship where she finished in the top 5 as an individual.

The Male MVP Award was given to Brody Tribe who, like Schobel, played multiple sports and was a factor on all of those teams. Tribe played football, basketball and baseball for the Cards this season and was a force on all of these teams.

For the football team, Tribe was a part of a linebacker core that played a big role in the Cards, reaching the regional finals in the playoffs this year. In basketball he was one of the best paint presences, dominating on both sides of the ball and frustrating the opposition.

Then in baseball, he was named to the first All-District team, which shows just how important he was to the Cards baseball team and their success this season.

Finally, there was the Torch Award given to a student athlete in remembrance of former Columbus Cardinal Coach Greg Lundgren. The Torch Award is an award dedicated to coach Lundgren, who coached at Columbus High School for 23 years and had an unwavering passion for sports.

The Female Torch Award was given to Kaylea Foster and Ava Heffley. The Male Torch Award was given to Bryan Salazar and Brody Vinklarek. These four athletes wear their hearts on their sleeves.

No matter what is happening, fans, coaches and teammates can rely on these four athletes to always show up and make a big play. They are the ultimate teammates always dragging their teammates into the fight with them and truly showed what it means to be a Columbus Cardinal and Lady Cardinal to honor Coach Lundgren.