Cathedral players earn honors
Published 9:43 pm Tuesday, May 10, 2011
From left, Sean Powell, Wes Tipton and Will Tipton were recognized for their role in the Lions’ fourth place finish in the Alabama Christian Sports Conference.. Powell was named to the all tournament team, while Wes earnned the conference’s Character Award. Will was named all-tournament and all-state. -- Rick Couch
During the run to a fourth place finish in the Alabama Christian Sports Conference, three Cathedral Academy players gained quite a bit of attention from opposing coaches.
As a result, Sean Powell and Will Tipton were named to the all-conference team and Wes Tipton earned the ACSC Christian Character Award.
The trio, head coach Jamie Tellier said, anchored his team and helped them improve throughout the season.
“These guys are my dynamic trio,” he said. “To have a ninth grader a 10th grader and a junior all step up like that is a thrill for any coach.”
The character award, Tellier said, is the highest offered in the league. Receiving the award speaks volumes for Wes, he said, because he missed most of the season with a torn ACL.
“Despite being out for the better part of the season he showed up at every game and every practice helping our new catcher out,” he said. “It was like having an assistant coach right there.”
Watching from the bench was hard, Wes said. But he added he was proud to be recognized for the program.
“It was tough not being able to play out there, but it means a lot to receive that award,” he said. “It shows character for me and our school, so I’m proud of that.”
The Lions received a welcome charge from Powell’s strong play in center field and at the plate throughout the season. At the tournament he turned it up a notch going 6-for-6 with 4 RBI. That got the attention of the opposing coaches.
Powell said he was proud and humbled by his selection to the all-tournament team.
“I think it’s a blessing,” he said. “God has really blessed me and shown me that the effort you put in is what you get out.”
Will, who said he didn’t have his best season, also had a strong showing in the tournament. That effort landed him on the All-State team for the second consecutive season.
“I made it last year, but I wasn’t sure I would make it this year,,” he said. “I didn’t hit as well, but I did alright pitching.”
Alright is an understatement, Tellier said. Will struck out 19 players in a single game, a conference and school record.
