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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, schools in the Copper Area are continuing their end-of-year ceremonies and recognitions in some manner or another. This includes Hayden High School, which recently released its list of student-athletes who were recognized for their prowess in their respective sports.
Hayden-Winkelman Unified School District athletic director Lydia Martinez is a 1980 graduate of Hayden High School who just completed her 34th year as an educator, all at Hayden. She takes great pride in raising her family in the community and that includes her “family” of Lobos’ student-athletes.
“The amount of pride I have for my student-athletes goes beyond measure,” Martinez wrote in an email response. “The importance here, lies within the student-athletes’ determination, work ethic, confidence, and overall drive to overcome challenges, setbacks, and obstacles to show forth their successes.
“Not only does the student-athlete excel above expectations but being from our small town of Hayden, I am fueled by their commitment to succeed and their well-deserved recognition to become that positive influence on the younger generation and have an everlasting impact on our community.”
According to Martinez, Hayden had 77 out of 95 students participate in athletics this academic school year.
“That goes to show you that there is a lot of pride and commitment here at Hayden High School,” she said.
Martinez was asked what attributes she expects a student-athlete at Hayden to possess.
“I feel our successful students possess, discipline, commitment, work ethic, and self-confidence,” she answered.
The following student-athletes displayed those attributes this recently concluded school year.
FOOTBALL AWARDS
MVP – Jorge Rodriguez
1A East Region 1st Team
Josiel Rodriguez – Linebacker & Offensive Lineman
Jorge Rodriguez – Linebacker & Running Backs
Vince Gallegos – Defensive Backs & Receivers/Tight Ends
Gilberto Carmelo – Defensive Lineman & Punter
1A East Region 2nd Team
Peter Kame – Offensive Lineman
Gilberto Carmelo – Offensive Utility/Flex Player
Vince Gallego – Punt Returner
1A East Region Honorable Mention
Arthur Castillo III – Quarterbacks
Mory Cruz – Defensive Utility/Flex Player
Moses Gonzalez – Defensive Lineman/Offensive Lineman
VOLLEYBALL AWARDS
MVP – Julianna Hong
Team Award – Clarissa Gonzalez
1A East Region 2nd Team
Amariz Ochoa – Hitter/Middle Blocker
1A East Region Honorable Mention
Julianna Hong
BOYS’ BASKETBALL AWARDS
MVP – Brandon Garner
Most Improved – Isaac Castillo
Defensive Player – Javier Lopez
1A East Region 1st Team
Brandon Garner
1A East Region 2nd Team
Isaac Castillo
1A East Region Honorable Mention
Arthur Castillo III
Javier Lopez
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL AWARDS
MVP – Sarrah Perez
Exceptional Leader – Clarissa Gonzalez
Defensive Player – Julianna Hong
Most Improved – Sonia Urias Gallego
1A East Region Offensive Player of the Year
Sarrah Perez
1A East Region Coach of the Year
Helene Martinez
1A East Region 2nd Team
Julianna Hong
Clarissa Gonzalez
WRESTLING AWARDS
MVP – Pablo Acuna
SPIRIT LINE AWARDS
FOOTBALL – Lyana Romero
BASKETBALL – Raquela Westrope
NORBERTO CHUCO WADDELL INSPIRATIONAL AWARD
Ahleah Arbizo
PRINCIPAL AWARD
Manuel Guillen
Sarrah Perez
OUTSTANDING SENIOR MALE OF THE YEAR
Jorge Rodriguez
OUTSTANDING SENIOR CO-FEMALE OF THE YEAR
Clarissa Gonzalez
Julianna Hong
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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