Organization news and notes

The Hobby/Hilton was the site of the sixth annual Pearland Oilers football awards dinner which was sponsored by the Pearland Touchdown Club. The gala affair is one of the highlights of the year honoring the 2005 Pearland Oilers varsity football players. The Oilers posted a sparkling 10-1 mark and advanced to the playoffs for a school-record sixth straight year. Pearland won the District 24-5A crown while two junior varsity and two freshman teams swept their district titles giving Pearland five league championships in all. The overall record for all five teams was an incredible 40-0-2.

Over 300 attended the annual event highlighted by the presentation of various awards by the Pearland coaching staff honoring some well-deserving players who have continued the winning tradition established by former players who raised the bar of excellence. Every player that has put on a Pearland jersey since the arrival of head coach Tony Heath and his coaching staff in 1997 has provided some exciting and legendary highlights that will always be remembered in the new era of Oilers football.

Coach Heath has always made this event one of the priorities of his coaching legacy. There were several players honored for their outstanding performance during the 2005 football season.

Coach Jeremy Beeson presented the "Offensive Hustle Hustle Award" which goes to the players that make significant contributions on the offensive side of the ball. Chad Garner and Marcus Bradley received this award.

Coach Jerry Killen gave out the "Defensive Hustle Hustle Award" which was shared by Lance Hayes and Jamaal Driver.

The "Newcomer of the Year" award was presented by coach Mike Norman to Alan Pelc and Joel Mapps.

Coach Mike Allison presented the "Most Improved Award" which went to Tony Barrows and Eric Kutch.

Coach Brandon Kinsey gave out the "Oiler Pride Award" which was shared by David Webster and Torry Peterson.

Coach Mark Knipes presented the "Leadership Award" to Justan Vaughn and Steven Kenney.

Coach Doug Hagar, who coaches the offensive line and coordinates the academic program for the Oiles, presented the "Academic Award" to Philip Burke and Josh Juneau.

Coach Mike Rinehart presented the "Defensive Player of the Year Award" to inside linebacker Texavier Henry.

Coach Eric Wells presented the "Offensive Player of the Year Award" to District 24-5A "Player of the Year" junior running back Fozzy Whittaker .
The "Most Valuable Player Award" was presented by head coach Tony Heath which went to quarterback Michael Speciale.

There was also a presentation of the annual scholarships that have been established by the Pearland Touchdown Club. There were 10 players who received scholarship money to help further their education at the next level. Total amount awarded this year was $6,000.

The scholarship winners had to have a minimum 2.5 grade point average; had to participate all four years in the Pearland Oilers' football program; and submit a 300-500 word typed essay entitled: "Life Lessons Learned as a Student-Athlete at Pearland High School."

Three judges outside the Pearland Touchdown Club were selected to grade each submission with only the last four-digits of the players' social security number identifying the essay. None of the judges talked with the other as all essays were read and graded independently of the other. The top average score took the top award and the winners were not revealed to anyone until the night of the awards banquet.

The Pearland Touchdown Club expressed their appreciation to the judges who were State Representative Glenda Dawson, former Pearland and Notre Dame football star Dr. Randy Ellis, and Pearland Judge and School Board member Letitia Farnie.

After only six years of existence, the Pearland Touchdown Club has awarded $35,750 thanks to many area businesses and individuals who support the various fund raising events including the production of the football media guide sold at each home game which is supported by the ads from the local business community. Monies from spirit apparel and the annual dinner/auction also serve as an underwriter for the scholarship fund.

The top winner was Philip Burke ($1,500), followed by Torry Peterson ($1,000), Kyle Wadlington ($800), Landon Davis ($700), Matt Duke ($600), and Kent Schumacher ($400). Josh Juneau, Josh Helms, Gerald Best, and Jeremiah Lesser each received $250.

Coach Heath expressed his deep appreciation for the hard work of his coaches and players in another successful football campaign, particularly to his seniors.

"I want you seniors to know how much you have meant to our football program the past few years," Heath said. "We have seen you start in junior high and then to develop to become outstanding players to keep the winning tradition going here at Pearland. I also want to thank the parents for your dedicated support. Never forget that once an Oiler - always an Oiler."

Talk about this Game on the Oiler Bulletin Board