By DENNIS D. CRUZ
For nearly five decades The Sportsmen of Stanislaus (SOS) Club has honored local student athletes for their achievements during the school year. Today, Wednesday April 6 the SOS Club celebrates its 49th Annual Outstanding Athlete Awards ceremony. This year, two Oakdale High School seniors are up for Women’s High School Prep Division Athlete of the Year.
For the second consecutive season, track and field standout Hannah Chappell is up for the award. Chappell, who will be attending University of Alabama this fall, has been off to an impressive start to her final year as a Mustang. She claimed first place in each of the team’s dual meets this season and took first place at County Clash IV in March in discus with a throw of 146-07. Chappell has made it to state finals in each of the last three years, after winning Masters all three years. Chappell’s personal record for discus throw is currently 151-02 at the 2015 Masters.
“It truly is an honor just to be nominated, let alone being nominated twice. The competition is tough in our area so just to be recognized is an honor and an achievement on its own,” said Chappell.
Fellow senior Caitlin Golding is also up for the prestigious award. Golding was the starting goalkeeper for the Lady Mustangs varsity girls water polo team. Golding and the Lady Mustangs have won the CIF-Sac Joaquin Section title three consecutive years as well as the Valley Oak League title each of the last three years. Golding played three years at the varsity level where she accumulated 763 blocks in her time in the net.
“She is deserving of all of the recognition she has received during her career at OHS. Being nominated for this kind of award is a testament to her hard work and dedication,” Golding’s water polo coach Dianne Kline said. “To have two nominees from Oakdale is a great reflection on the athletes in our town.”
The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. at the SOS Club, 819 Sunset Ave., Modesto. For ticket information call (209) 578-5801.
