By Courtesy

Celebrations in downtown Leesville was the location for the annual Leesville High School Wampus Cats football banquet on Monday, Feb. 1. Head coach David Feaster and Principal Renita Davis welcomed a packed crowd to honor the 2009-10 Wampus Cats, a team that rallied to win its final three regular season games to advance to the playoffs. Feaster presented several awards on the night, including the Percy L. Cabra Memorial Award for Sportsmanship to senior receiver Robert Bush. The W.C. "Bill" Turner Award for the Most Valuable Player, also presented by local attorney Edwin Cabra, went to junior athlete Levander Liggins. Ryan Upshaw received the Coaches Award, while Jeron Hamm was honored with Most Improved. The Outstanding Lineman Award went to Daniel Phillips, while the Outstanding Offensive Player was given to sophomore record-setting quarterback Zack Squyres. Feaster bid farewell to a solid group of seniors that had to adjust to their third head coach in four years. This group of seniors won two district championships and appeared in the playoffs all four years. The Gridiron Club was recognized for its contributions to the program, especially local resident Calvin Dill, who is the resident chef for the club and the football team on game days. Mr. Dill was given a special team apron.