Elizabeth Andrews, Clear Spring, girls soccer

Coach: Jeff Semler

“Elizabeth Andrews exemplifies the True Grit spirit. In her junior year, she injured her ankle in the third game of the season. She came off the field, was taped up and returned to the game. She played the entire season nursing the injury — many practices, games and physical therapy sessions. Even though she was at less than 100 percent, she was selected to the All-MVAL first team, All-County First Team and All-Area Second Team. Looking forward to her senior year, she collided with an opposing player in her first summer league game and tore an ACL. After consultation with her doctor, she decided to play her senior year with a brace — postponing surgery until after the end of the season. Again playing at less than 100 percent, Elizabeth turned in a career-high number of shutouts and her best goals-against average. She was again selected for All-MVAL and All-County honors. Elizabeth not only is a gifted athlete, she is all heart and a dream to coach. Dedication is her middle name.”

Marcus Angle, Boonsboro, football

Coach: Clayton Anders

“Marcus’ athletic career has been fraught with injuries, maladies and emotional and physical setbacks. In four seasons of football, Marcus was able to play 17 games. He lost the freshman season to a debilitating inflammation of the knees — chondro malacia and Osgood Schlatter Disease. In Grade 10, he developed shingles and missed the first two weeks of football, then in the spring he developed shin splints and was unable to compete as a jumper in track. As a junior, he missed the entire season with a broken foot. Throughout these difficult times his desire, commitment and enthusiasm for football remained strong and persevered, and in 2008 he became a defensive starter. In the third game, he sustained a knee injury that kept him out of the lineup for four weeks. However, he returned with a knee brace, reclaimed his starting position and helped Boonsboro to a 9-1 season and a playoff berth. Regardless of the adversity, his attitude and commitment make Marcus Angle the embodiment of ‘True Grit’ for Boonsboro High School.”

Caitlin Breslin, St. Maria Goretti, volleyball

Coach: Leah Easterday

“St. Maria Goretti is proud to recognize Caitlin Breslin as our 2009 True Grit award recipient. Caitlin is our hero! She is an accomplished volleyball player, officer in the Varsity Club, fierce competitor and friend to all. But what many people do not know is that she suffers from cystic fibrosis. Caitlin has been a member of the volleyball team for four years and she never let her illness keep her from competing and lead Goretti to one of its best volleyball seasons in recent years this past fall. We do not see or hear about the daily treatments she goes through because Caitlin has kept that part of her life very private. She has never asked to sit out a game, a practice or a drill — even when she may have been physically struggling. This is True Grit! Caitlin always has a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She is never down or discouraged — always full of life.”

Bryan Calendine, North Hagerstown, football

Coach: Danny Cunningham

“Bryan was a member of the North High football team for four years. Entering the 2008 season he was projected to be the starting quarterback, however on the second day of practice he fractured his left foot and was not able to practice for three weeks. During this time Bryan attended every practice and offered his support to the other quarterbacks and players. Bryan was cleared to play the day before the first game. ot only did he play, but he put together an incredible game, passing for more than 200 yards. The injury bug came back and bit him as he then suffered a severely bruised non-throwing hand. Bryan saw limited time in practice, but again he continued to play and pay well. Then the following week on the second drive of a game against Allegany, he tore an ACL. Bryan sat out the remainder of the first half but returned to play in the second half in a limited role. In the fourth week of the season Bryan had surgery and over the next six weeks worked extremely hard to rehab to enable him to play in the North-South City Classic the last game of the season. Bryan Calendine faced adversity and won. It is his incredible passion for athletics and competition that makes him a one-in-a-million teammate and which will enable him to be a successful person in life. It is student-athletes like Bryan that makes coaching such a memorable and rewarding experience.”

Zachary Cross, Smithsburg, cross country/track & field

Coach: Ray Shriver

“Zach has overcome many challenges during his running career at Smithsburg — from a broken wrist as a result of a snowboarding accident to injured ankles from a fall off a house roof. However, none of these compared to the biggest challenge he faced as a middle school student. At that time his brother, Jason, was diagnosed with cancer and needed a bone marrow transplant. Zach was the only match and willingly underwent the very painful operation to have a good portion of his bone marrow removed to help save his brother’s life. Today, both Jason and Zach are doing well and Zach has gone on to become a state placewinner in Indoor Track and Cross Country. He also has set a school record in the 500-meter dash. Zach was his brother’s keeper and he truly is the essence of True Grit.”

Brandon Hess, Grace Academy, baseball

Coach: Mark Sandell

“Grace Academy has selected Brandon Hess as its 2009 True Grit award recipient. During Labor Day weekend last year, Brandon was in a farming accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. Brandon has been through a number of surgeries since that time and now has a prosthesis. Through therapy and resilience Brandon presently is competing as a member of the Grace Academy varsity baseball program for the 2009 season. We are extremely proud of Brandon and what he has been able to overcome and accomplish. His faith, attitude, determination and love for life all combine to epitomize ‘True Grit.’”

Caty Hess, Hancock, girls soccer/track & field

Coaches: Karen Sornson and Jeff Spielman

“Since the age of 11, Caty Hess has exceeded all expectations that anyone dreamed possible. Caty was visiting a schoolmate who lived across the street and as she was returning home she lost control of her bicycle leaving the driveway and was hit by a car. This incident changed Caty’s life and how she would perceive her future. The doctor’s prognosis was that Caty may never walk again, and if she did, it would not be normal. After a year Caty not only was walking but running and with the encouragement and support of her parents Caty began to play soccer again and she soon was at a high skill level. I have been fortunate to know Caty since birth and not only watched her grow but also taught and coached her as she matured. She has excelled in the classroom and on the field for four years and was a vital part of the creation of the Hancock girls soccer program. For her efforts she was selected as All-County honorable mention. In the spring Caty participates in field events on the track team and was voted the Most Outstanding Field Athlete by her coaches and teammates in 2008. This year she is one of the co-captions. While Caty has many qualities, her attitude, dedication and dependability set her apart from many student athletes in this day of ‘me-first’ thinking. She has come a long way due to her True Grit since that fateful day when she was 11 years old.”

Megan E. Holmes, Hagerstown Community College, softball

Coach: Amy Sterner

“Halfway through her very successful sophomore season this year, Megan was leading our team in virtually every category. During a play at second base, Megan slid into the bag to break up a double play, allowing her teammate as much time to reach first base as possible. Once into her slide her cleat stuck in the dirt and she broke her ankle in two places. Her immediate thought was not for her own welfare, but of her team and how she was letting them down. Although things in Megan’s future were very much up in the air because of the injury she remained focused on the team and how she could best be of assistance to them. Balancing surgery, a backlog of school work and her job, Megan keeps in touch via text, phone calls, e-mail and attends every softball game and as many practices as possible. Megan continues to focus on the team and the success of the group as a whole, exemplifying ‘the team before me’ attitude. Megan’s selflessness, hard work and dedication to team through adversity and pain is an outstanding exemplar of True Grit.”

Se Young Lee, Saint James, field hockey/lacrosse

Coach: Kim McKeachie

“Se Young Lee came to Saint James from Seoul, (South) Korea in the eighth grade as a cheerful outgoing young girl who had never really played sports. During her time with us she developed into a strong field hockey and lacrosse player, playing on both varsity teams. She also is a very strong student taking four AP courses this year and earning an overall GPA of 3.39. In January 2008, her father was diagnosed with dispersed brain tumors and struggled valiantly with this disease until his death in February 2009. He was only 49 years old and Se Young adored him. Throughout this difficult time Se Young remained positive and productive at school, playing a very good season in lacrosse last spring and in field hockey this past fall. SeYoung returned to Korea this school year twice — first when her father appeared to be dying, and then again to be with him when he did die. She then returned to school in time to take her second trimester exams. Se Young is a very brave young woman who loves her school and appreciates the support of her teachers and friends. She is an example to all of us and everyone at Saint James is very proud that Se Young is our 2009 True Grit award recipient.”

Lauren Marriner, South Hagerstown, girls soccer

Coach: Scott Buhrman

“When I first heard of the True Grit award I immediately thought of Lauren Marriner. Student-athletes are expected to perform in the classroom and on the field. They are expected to perform despite setbacks, personal issues and the unexpected. Someone with ‘True Grit’ not only performs during stressful periods, they also take such opportunities to excel. Lauren is one of those individuals. On February 5, 2008, Lauren tore her ACL during an indoor soccer game. This injury devastated her, however, she never showed sings of hopelessness and she never gave up. She had surgery and began rehab, and in the spring, while she was not able to play lacrosse, she attended every practice and game and remained a part of the team. Last fall she was ready and able to play on the soccer team. During play Lauren would aggravate the injury and one could clearly see she was playing in pain. However, she refused substitution and even in games where victory was clearly escaping, Lauren would continue to give 100 percent, trying to get one more possession, one more goal. Lauren’s ‘grit’ extends beyond the playing field and into the classroom where she maintains a 4.1 GPA with numerous AP classes. Besides playing soccer and lacrosse at South High she also participates in the Best Buddies Program, FCA, served as the Junior Class Vice President and plays on three outside soccer teams.”

Michael Nyatta, boys basketball, Highland View Academy

Coaches: Brad Durby and Jesse Benton

“Michael Nyatta has attended Highland View Academy his entire high school career, entering as a freshman in 2005. He was in the United States only a short time prior to that as his family relocated to Delaware from Kenya. Mike never has looked at obstacles as problems, but rather as opportunities, including the requirement to pass from being a boy to becoming a man in his native land when at age 10 he was required to kill a lion with a spear. Through experiencing the transition to a whole new culture at a young age, he learned quickly to adapt and try new things. Choosing to become a boarding student here brought even more changes, yet he again proved his adaptability. He made new friends, succeeded academically and got involved in all kinds of activities. Whether learning a new language, learning to play the guitar, learning to play sports or honing his acting skills through our drama group, Mike always has landed on his feet. Recently Mike received the honor of being named as a Washington County honorable mention in basketball, despite being a 5-foot-10 power forward. Mike has consistently shown that he is enthusiastic about life by demonstrating a willingness to try new things, meet new challenges and work hard to be the best he can be.”

Grace O’Brien, Heritage Academy, volleyball

Coach: Young-Sook Anderson

“Grace O’Brien is a person with outstanding character both on and off the court. She is a very quiet player who receives very little recognition. Although quiet, she serves as a leader in every team she is a part of. Her teammates respect and look up to her because she has demonstrated the ability to overcome adversity and remain on the volleyball team even though she is not a starter. She always maintains a great attitude and always encourages her team when they are down. Grace never gives up and continues to work hard and she is a role model for other players. Heritage Academy is not only proud, but also blessed to have Grace O’Brien as a student and role model and our True Grit award recipient.”

Katarina “Katie” Stains, Williamsport, cheerleading

Coach: Ryann Crawford

“Katarina Stains is a 17-year-old senior and four-year varsity cheerleader who was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma on December 22, 2008. Katie, as she is called, made the varsity squad in the spring of 2008 and during tryouts voluntarily helped other candidates after practice and on weekends so they could improve their chances of making the squad. She attended every spring and summer strengthening and conditioning practice and in the late summer began to notice pain in her left hip that continued to get more severe. Doctors could not diagnose the cause of the increasing pain, but she continued to work out. Many times she would finish last, but she always finished, often in tears. Even when her coaches told her to stop and rest she would refuse and continue her workouts. The pain continued and worsened through the fall sports season, but she attended every game, performed every stunt and danced every routine. Katie’s mantra through this adversity has been, ‘This is my senior year and I’m not sitting out!’ Katie even attended school on December 22, 2008, when she was notified that later that day she would be going to the Johns Hopkins Children’s Oncology Center. Katie loves school and cheerleading is her life. She has been going through treatment — chemotherapy, radiation, blood transfusions, and the list goes on. But the disease and treatments did not stop her from attending her last night of cheerleading. On February 23, Katie attended ‘Senior Night’ and with assistance from her parents walked across the gym floor at her school. Katie is a true example of True Grit and now has everyone cheering for her.”

Maegan Taylor, Broadfording, volleyball/softball

Coaches: Joe Cartwright, Randy Taylor

“Maegan has battled adversity throughout her high school career. When she was in middle school her mom was diagnosed with cancer and fought a courageous battle for years. However, in May 2007 Maegan’s mom passed away, but throughout this time Maegan has persevered. During her mom’s illness Maegan continued to participate in volleyball and softball. She worked hard in these sports and was able to be a contributing member of both teams and helped her volleyball team win several championships. Even after her mom’s death Maegan has continued to participate on these varsity sport teams. Maegan is an inspiration to all of us through her hard work and her dedication to others.”