Waner recognized at Women in Sports luncheon

ThunderRidge High School and Duke University standout Abby Waner will be this year’s alumni honoree at the Douglas County Girls and Women in Sports luncheon Jan. 22 at Chaparral High School in Parker. The gold medalist, McDonald’s High School All-American and Naismith Candidate will join keynote speaker Carol Callan, the assistant executive director responsible for all USA Basketball women’s team programs, trials and training camps, as a part of the festivities.

The celebration is in conjunction with the 24th annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day, devoted to acknowledging the past accomplishments of female athletes and recognizing current sports achievements, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality and access for women in sports.

The event will also spotlight standout middle and high school student-athletes selection by Douglas County School District’s coaches and administrators for their achievements in the classroom and in their respective sports.

Haycock, Griebel nominated for Red Zone Player of the Year

Castle View High School football’s Spencer Haycock and Heritage’s Mitch Griebel have both been nominated as an Old Spice Red Zone Player of the Year. As a result of their achievement, the pair are among a select group of players who are eligible to be selected as Red Zone Player of the Year and be honored in a full-page feature in a national print publication.

For the past nine years, Old Spice has been recognizing high school football players who go above and beyond the call of duty, particularly in the red zone. The program honors athletes who are able to elevate their play and step up when the heat is really on. These athletes embody leadership, performance and desire, and serve as examples to their teammates on and off the field.

If one or both of the gridiron athletes are selected to be one of the 50 national players of the year, they will receive a plaque and other awards.