Erin Kirch and Jenifer Hope were honored as Dunsmuir High School’s male and female athletes of the year at the school’s Tiger Awards ceremony last month.
Kirch, a junior, excelled in football and basketball and also competed in golf this past spring.
Hope, a sophomore, excelled in volleyball and basketball while also competing in track and field.
“Both are hard workers, constantly working to improve themselves individually and for the team,” said Dunsmuir athletic director Ray Kellar. “They are also good individuals, academically, and pleasant to be around.”
Kirch had a team-high 69 tackles last fall and also led the Tigers in sacks with three. He earned an all-Evergreen League honorable mention as linebacker and running back.
This past winter Kirch led the Tiger boys basketball squad in scoring, averaging 15 points per game, and was Dunsmuir’s top rebounder with 7 per game.
After earning a spot on the Evergreen all-league team, his coach, Kale Riccomini, praised Kirch for his focus, dedication and ability to adjust to opposing defenses.
Hope earned an Evergreen League honorable mention for her performance on the volleyball courts last fall – her first year playing the sport.
In basketball, she led the Tigers varsity girls team in scoring, averaging 13 points per game while anchoring the Dunsmuir defense with a team-high 76 steals.
Hope led her squad as they earned the No. 10 seed in the Northern Section Division VI basketball playoffs. Dunsmuir traveled to Westwood and lost a close opening round game, 50-43, to the No. 7 seeded Lumberjacks.
The best news for Dunsmuir is that both athletes of the year will return next year.
“They are both leaders,” Kellar said. “Sometimes silently, sometimes verbally. We look forward to their leadership in any endeavors.”
Dunsmuir, Calif. —
