Parish sports teams were celebrated at athletic banquets during the past week. On Friday, Red River High School held its Athletic Banquet in the school gym. It was an evening of celebrating victories on the field and court and inspiration from a proven winning coach.

The featured speaker was Mike McConathy, NSU Head Men’s Basketball Coach. McConathy’s message was “Do it to the best of your ability. Decide what you are going to do and why.” And McConathy added, “Be passionate about the game. Be disciplined to be the best person you can be on the court and in the classroom.”

At one point Coach McConathy asked the athletes if they were selfless? He said, “Give of yourself for the good of the team. Are you competing to help the guy next to you be the best that he can be?”

Referring to the success of Red River’s athletic teams this season, McConathy said, “I applaud you for being where you are. And I applaud you for continuing to strive to be the best.”

Each team was presented to the gathering. Their coaches pointed out team highlights and accomplishments. Those include Football, Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball all making it to the semi-finals in their playoff quests. It was pointed out that this had not been accomplished in recent memory. In addition, four Red River athletes have signed athletic scholarships so far this year.

School Superintendent Alison Hughes announced Waylon Washington and Sierra Ochoa as the Athletes of the Year. She announced the academic scholar athletes are Adrianna Bradley and Kaylee Antilley. Assistant Football Coach of the year is Ronnie Bagley. And the Red River High School Coach of the Year is Missy Antilley. Antilley lead the girl’s basketball team to the state semifinals game.

Coach Antilley made the closing remarks at the banquet. Her message to parents was “thank you for letting us coach your kids.” And Antilley told the players “thank you for working so hard all year for this.”