Whigham named to all-state team; several others earn conference honors

After a strong 2009 baseball season, ending at Sub-state with a 19-6 record and the conference title, the Stanton Vikings were represented by seven players receiving all-conference awards and one on the Iowa Newspaper Association (INA) all-state team.

Alex Whigham, a junior, was named to the INA All-State Second Team as a utility player and Corner Conference First Team pitcher.

Whigham led the Vikings in wins with a 10-1 record in 14 appearances and a 2.59 ERA.

At the plate, Whigham batted .465 in 71 at-bats and had four home runs.

“He’s a tremendous athlete,” Athletic Director Don Hicks said of Whigham. “He works really hard and has some gifts. He’s a lot of fun to watch.”

Corner Conference coaches also selected Alex Cabbage (first team infield), Grant Focht (first team outfield), Lucas Oster (second team infield), Tanner Stubbendeck (second team infield), Matt Pruss (second team outfield) and Chris Palmquist (honorable mention utility player).

Stanton Softball was also well represented in the Corner Conference with six players including Kady Subbert (first team infield), Sam Sederberg (second team pitcher), Ashley Mathison (second team infield), Jordan Sorensen (honorable mention catcher), Shelby Wagg (honorable mention outfield), and Roey Sink (honorable mention infield).

The Villisca Blue Jays baseball team had three players receiving all conference awards, including Dustin Haffner (first team outfield), Aaron Williams (second team catcher), and Timmy Meyers (honorable mention pitcher).

The Blue Jays softball team had six players named all conference led by Shaney Scott (first team pitcher), Courtney Auxier (first team catcher), Lisa Vanderhoof (first team infield), Jill Vanderhoof (first team utility player), Kate Franzson (second team outfield), and Brooke Johnston (honorable mention infield)

The Hawkeye Ten coaches named Nick Krouse (second team shortstop) and Bill Honeyman (honorable mention utility) to their all conference team.

The Tigers were represented in the Hawkeye Ten All Conference softball team by Jami Redel (second team shortstop) and Gabi French (second team catcher).

All Conference teams are voted on by the coaches of their respective conference.

The INA All-State Team is selected by sports writers statewide. The Iowa Coaches All-State selections, which are voted on by coaches, will be announced this week.