Sports Hall of Fame announces Life Lesson Award recipients. 

Sports Hall of Fame announces Life Lesson Award recipients. 

The Mason County Sports Hall of Fame has announced its inaugural MCSHOF Life Lesson Award to three athletes from Mason County area high schools.  The award is given to a female or male high school senior athlete, from each school,  who demonstrates the positive attributes that one learns from participating in athletic competition.

Jessica Gergers, pictured with Jim Schulte.

“Sports teach individuals a lot more than the skills to run, swim, handle a ball, racket, bat, club, or stick, and condition their bodies and minds for strenuous and challenging activities,” said Vic Burwell, president of the MCSHOF.  “Participation in individual and team sports teaches athletes important life lessons, ‘Beyond the game..’,  that can be applied to any relationship, activity, or professional life.  As a noted professional athlete stated:  ‘Sports teach you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose—it teaches you about life!'”

Each area high school’s coaches and athletic director has selected the student athlete in their respective school as the recipient of the award, based on the athlete’s demonstration of teamwork, leadership, perseverance, discipline, respect, and or over-coming adversity.  In addition to the award recognition, the MCSHOF will donate $150 to the Charity of the recipient’s selection, in their name.

Jessica Gerbers, daughter of Robert and Cynthia Gerbers, is the honoree from Mason County Central, and selected C.O.V.E.  Jessica participated in volleyball and softball, has a GPA of 3.91, and plans on attending West Shore Community College, and Ferris State University.  Her leadership is demonstrated in every activity she engages, according to Burwell.

Elie Shoup, center, with Sharon McCumber, left, and Ed Miller.

Eli Shoup, son of Robert and Amanda Shoup, is the honoree from Mason County Eastern, and named St. Mary’s Caritas Food Pantry.  Eli participated in cross country, basketball, baseball, and track, was a high honors student, and plans on an engineering career.  “Teamwork is Eli’s strength and helping others be the best they can be,” Burwell said.

Zoe Voss, LHS, with Mike Winczewski.

Zoe Voss, daughter of Tom and Gina Voss, is the honoree from Ludington High School, and selected the Lakeshore Food Club.  Zoe participated in  volleyball and track, and maintained a GPA of 3.776, while also being involved in many other extracurricular activities.  Zoe’s education plan is to start at West Shore Community College, then on to Grand Valley State majoring in Nursing and either Chemistry or Spanish.  Her goal is to finish at Wayne State University in its anesthesiology program. “She is well known for her leadership, teamwork, and character,” Burwell said.

“The Mason County Sports Hall of Fame, is proud to acknowledge and honor these area high school athletes for their efforts: ‘Beyond the game:  The value of sports,'” Burwell said.

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