Class of 2018
Five former student-athletes — all stand-outs during their time at Midlakes — were inducted into the Midlakes Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Sept. 21 at the Clifton Springs County Club.
Brett Adams, Joshua DeBoover, brothers Doug and Tim DeCook, and Ben Drayn all recognized supporters during their induction speeches that included family, coaches and community members from Phelps and Clifton Springs in providing opportunities to students outside of the classroom.
"All these sports programs meant so much to me growing up that once I finished college and came home, I wanted to come back," said DeBoover, who served as an assistant coach on the Midlakes Boy’s Varsity Basketball Team for five years. "Nothing can beat a small town."
DeBoover was named three different times to the All-League volleyball team. In basketball, he received the Coach’s and the Hardwood Club Basketball Sportsmanship awards and was selected to play in the Exceptional Seniors Game. He won the Outfield Golden Glove and the Harold Andrews Season MVP awards during his senior year in baseball.
Adams was named to the League All-Star soccer team for each of his three seasons on varsity soccer. He was a two-time All-Star in baseball and received the VanDerMark, the Career MVP and the Infield Golden Glove awards during his senior year.
Adams said athletics taught him several valuable lessons that have stayed with him long after graduation.
"You do learn commitment," he said."How to work as a team member. You gain the skills early on in sports that you use later on in life."
Doug DeCook was a two-time first team All-League player in soccer. He was named Midlakes Offensive Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002 and the Midlakes Coach’s Award both years. He was named a co-winner of the Pele Award in ’02.
He played with the Junior Rhinos from 2001 to 2003 and was the Outstanding Defensive Player in 2001. He was a All-Star selection in track and field, too.
"I remember having a huge support group here at Midlakes High School," he told the audience. "I know how you guys affected my life and made me into the person I am today. It is so great to come back to my hometown."
His brother, Tim DeCook, was selected as Midlakes Outstanding Male Athlete in 2002. He was named to either the All-League team in soccer or baseball a total of four times; winning the Pele (soccer), Hardwood Club (basketball), VanDerMark and Career MVP awards (baseball) during that time.
Like the other inductees, he recognized the efforts of his parents and a close-knit community to create an atmosphere that allowed him to thrive. Tim DeCook also thanked former Midlakes coach Jeff Panek, who introduced him during the ceremony.
"His willingness to take a chance on a freshman, is who he is," Tim DeCook said of Panek. "He is always taking chances for people, always giving that extra effort."
Drayn was named to the All-League team in soccer and baseball and played in the Exceptional Senior game in both sports. He also played varsity basketball and was named Outstanding Male Athlete in 2004.
During his induction speech, Drayn recognized his former coach and current Midlakes teacher Jeff Maher, who led the varsity baseball to a Sectional title last year, for making sure the baseball team always had everything it needed when the season began.
"You were more than just a coach," Drayn said of Maher. "You really just needed a pair of cleats to show up to play Midlakes baseball and he took care of the rest.”
Each inductee was recognized during halftime of the Homecoming football game and given a medal. A plaque of their accomplishments will be displayed in the main entrance to the Midlakes High School athletics wing.
Former athletes are eligible for induction ten years after graduation. Former coaches, administrators and community supporters who’ve made extraordinary efforts to enhance the Midlakes Athletic program are also eligible for induction.
