This year's annual soccer banquet will mark the end of an era. Banquet organizers Patsy and Russell Hendrick's youngest son, Lee, graduates from RHS this year.

They have traditionally set the standard for soccer team supporters and banquet organizers. But this year's banquet will be their last.

It had the touches participants have come to expect when the Hendricks do things, such as hand-carved turkey and ham, a professional quality video presentation, gifts, a beautifully decorated banquet room, and stories about the players themselves.

But it was the Hendricks' farewell performance, and for that, banquet attendees were particularly nostalgic. For a team top-heavy with senior players, there was a lot of that reminiscent feeling, since a good part of the team won't be back next year.

For many parents, this banquet will be their last. Held in the Russellville Woman's Club on Nov. 16, it was memorable for the wonderful food and good-bye gestures that were presented.

Coach Jim Lennon had to make his farewell speech as soccer coach, since he has accepted the responsibility of coordinating the Russellville Park and Recreation Association's youth soccer teams, and will be stepping down as RHS assistant soccer coach.

Coaches Tom Thompson and Lennon presented the entire team with signed letters and prints, which was their way of thanking team members for their individual efforts. They were also presented with t-shirts, certificates, and a video of season and team highlights.

Several team members received trophies for outstanding achievements, including Derrick Stratton and Lee Hendrick, all-district Andrew Dickinson, most improved; Casey Thomas and Ben Brown, 110% award; Lee Hendrick, MVP award; Chris Leach, scholar athlete; and Adam Kees, offensive leader award.

JV awards were given to Tyler Meacham, Ben Kees, Alex Watkins, and Mary Lynn Kisselbaugh.

A-Team All State scholar awards went to Casey Thomas, Hendrick, Leach, Josh Hindman, Ben Brown, Stratton, Adam Kees, Dickinson, and Mary Lynn Kisselbaugh.

Varsity letters were awarded to Watkins, D.J. Hatten, Hannah Grise, Mary Lynn Kisselbaugh, Cameron Kisselbaugh, Leach, Dickinson, Stratton, Nathan Sindorf, Chris Scales, Brown, Hendrick, Pendegraff, and Adam Kees.

Coach Thompson looks forward to building a new team next year, but he knows he is losing many experienced seniors who will be hard to replace.

Coach Lennon encouraged the seniors to help out with his youth soccer program this spring.

After all, maybe it's the end of one era and the beginning of a new soccer era in this town!