Today, the Washington baseball team will host Coastal Conference rival South Central as it continues to pursue a playoff spot, but before the two teams duke it out on the diamond the Pam Pack will pause to honor the late Trent Emery Watkins with the presentation of the Watkins Athletic Award which is scheduled to take place at 6:45 p.m.

Watkins, who graduated Washington High School in 2002, starred on the football and baseball fields for the Pam Pack and was hailed for his all-out style of play along with his devotion to his teammates and coaches before passing in a tragic motorcycle accident in April 2004.

The Watkins Athletic Award, which was created by Watkins’ parents Wayne and Kim, consists of two $750 scholarships, one for baseball and one for football, though it is possible that one player could receive both. The Watkins Athletic Award winners will be selected by the coaching staff of both the football and baseball teams and will be given to the athlete that best demonstrates the following qualities: Strength of character and integrity, a positive attitude, determination and a drive to win, along with an unquestionable dedication to the team.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be able to present the award to these young men in Trent’s memory,” Kim said. “Athletics played such a significant role in his life. It always meant a great deal to him. He was an extremely dedicated player and he made every effort to do his best.

“It’s especially gratifying to pay tribute to Washington High School baseball and football and show appreciation to the two individuals who play with the same intensity that Trent exhibited.”

Aside from presenting the Watkins Athletic Award, Washington will also be holding its Senior Night for both the baseball and softball teams, as well as its Youth Appreciation Night.

Ryan Whitney, the Pam Pack’s first-year baseball coach, said he is well aware of the importance of tonight’s festivities and looks forward to partaking in them.

“Coach (Allison) Jones, our athletic director and our girls’ basketball coach, as well as Doc Austin and several others have updated me and let me know what’s involved,” Whitney said. “Being a part of this award is an honor and I’m really excited about it. Not only is it an opportunity for a deserving couple of kids to get some help with their next step in education, but it’s also obviously an opportunity to honor a kid who was a devoted member of the Pam Pack athletic community and Washington High School in general.”

 

Watkins Athletic Award Winners:

2011: Baseball: Jake Duke

2011: Football Johnny Broadway

 

2010 Baseball: Jimmy Hardison

Football: Cole Hartley

 

2009

Baseball: Austin Thompson

Football:  Justin Meekins

 

2008

Baseball:  Josh Woolard

Football:  Cody Cunningham

 

2007

Baseball: Trent Whitehead

Football:  Lee Watkins

 

2006

Baseball:  Jonathan “Peanut” Chandler

Football:  Mat Tanner

 

2005

Baseball:  Josh Fulcher

Football:  Nigel Rodgers

 

2004

Baseball:  John Brown

Football:  Jonathan Davenport