The Dawson County tennis teams held their end-of-year banquet last Sunday evening at Ruby Tuesday’s in Dawsonville. Both teams are coming off a successful 2010 season.

Dawson County High School Athletic Director Grady Turner welcomed the group to the banquet. After the invocation by Head Coach Rick Land the team settled down to a wonderful meal.

The awards began with Land reflecting on the season.

“This senior class is special to me. They are academically gifted and it has been a pleasure being around some of them for the last seven years,” said Land.

The year was highlighted by both teams qualifying for the Region 8-AA tournament.

Land applauded his team, as this was the second year in a row that they made it to the region tournament.

Land awarded each player, both boys and girls, with a varsity letter for their participation this season.

The Tiger head coach then began the awards ceremony with a presentation of trophies to the boys’ team. Land gave the Tiger Award to Luke Branson who played No. 2 singles this year. He described the award as being the player with the most impact on this year’s team.

Senior Andy King received the Leadership Trophy. “Andy set the tone at practice,” Land said.

King played with Branson on the No. 2 doubles team.

Jesse Cash, senior, was given the Most Valuable Award.

Land described Cash, a four-year particiant, as hardworking. Cash played #1 singles this past season.

On the girls’ side, freshman Hannah Velcoff won the Tiger Award. Velcoff played #1 and #2 singles this season.

The Leadership Trophy was presented to senior Lady Tiger Jessica Abe.

“I would ask Jessica to take care of a problem and she would try her best to do so. She was a true leader of our team,” said Land.

The Most Valuable Player award winner was Krista Morgan.

Morgan played No. 1 singles for the Lady Tigers.

“At the end of the year Krista was playing as good as she ever has during her four-year career here,” Land said.

Valedictorian and STAR student award winner Abe also received the Coca-Cola Academic Award. Abe has achieved a remarkable 99.518 GPA during her four years at Dawson County.