By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Trent Watkins always wore a smile, whether he was sweating on the football field, crouching behind the plate or simply walking around town.
It was that kind of persona that made the former Washington Pam Pack a favorite with the fans, and his coaches.
Tragically, Watkins was killed in a motorcycle accident on April 7, 2004. To help keep his memory alive, Watkins’ parents, Wayne and Kim Watkins, present a “Watkins Athletic Award in Memory of Trent Emery Watkins” each year on the home baseball game that falls closest to his birthday (May 1).
The Watkins were on hand, along with several other family members, at Wednesday’s Pam Pack game against Havelock. They presented the annual awards to Austin Thompson (baseball) and Justin Meekins (football).
This marked the sixth year for the award.
Thompson humbly accepted the award from Watkins’ parents.
Meekins was touched by the award.
The athletes are selected by the coaching staff of their respective teams. In order to receive the award, a $750 scholarship, the athletes must demonstrate strength of character and integrity; a positive attitude with the determination and drive to win; and an unquestionable dedication to the team.
Pam Pack football coach Sport Sawyer, who coached Watkins, said Thompson and Meekins have several of the same qualities that made Watkins so special.
Washington baseball coach Darin Vaughan said Thompson and Meekins are worthy of the awards.
Trent Watkins Athletic Award Winners:
Baseball – Austin Thompson
Football – Justin Meekins
Baseball – Josh Woolard
Football – Cody Cunningham
Baseball – Trent Whitehead
Football – Lee Watkins
Baseball – Jonathan “Peanut” Chandler
Football – Mat Tanner
Baseball – Josh Fulcher
Football – Nigel Rodgers
Baseball – John Brown
Football – Jonathan Davenport