Bryson City – Emma Pindur, already one of the most decorated athletes in school history, concluded her high school career by taking the grand prize at Swain High School’s annual Awards Banquet. The banquet sponsored by the Maroon Devil Booster Club, was held Thursday night, celebrating Swain athletes and their accomplishments during the 2017-18 athletic season.
The Swain coaching staff tabbed Emma Pindur as the recipient of the Maroon Devil Award. The award is given annual to the athlete that best personifies the will, courage, spirit and dedication of an ideal athlete. This award topped off what had already been a big night for the Yale bound Pindur. She was also took home the Female Academic Award for the overall highest gpa, as well as being named by her peers the Female Sportsmanship Award winner.
Alec Lay was named as the recipient of the Male Academic Award for overall highest gpa, Lay will be entering the US Naval Academy in the fall. The Male Sportsmanship Award recipient was Seth Parker. Parker joins Pindur as being selected by their fellow athletes as demonstrating the best Sportsmanship.
The categories of Male and Female Athlete of the Year, as voted on by Swain coaches, both had ties. In the female category Allisa Smith and Grace Cabe shared the honor, which seemed quite fitting considering they were teammates in three different sports, as each participated in volleyball, basketball and softball.
On the male side Brier Younce and Will Paul were both named Male Athlete of the Year. Younce and Paul were teammates in football. Paul participated in wrestling, where he was the 220-pound NCHSAA State Champion. Younce was named All Smoky Mountain Conference in four separate sports; football, basketball, baseball and track. Both will continue their athletic careers. Younce has committed to Emory and Henry to play football, while Paul will attend Guilford College and play football.