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Alpena’s Chris DeRocher and Maddy Boyd earn top athlete of the year honors

Alpena, Mich. — The 2018-19 Wildcat athletic class is one of the strongest the school has seen in years with over ten athletes signing to compete in college sports at universities like Michigan State, Central Michigan and Western Michigan to name a few. When it came down to voting for Alpena’s top male and female athlete of the year, the nominees were all outstanding.

Seven boys were nominated for the honor: hockey goalie  and school saves leader Cooper Black, baseball pitcher and basketball guard Bruz Copping, soccer star Aidan Day, basketball record holder Chris DeRocher, hockey and baseball player Austin Ritter and twin runners Josh and Aden Smith who will join the MSU team next season. Coaches voted and DeRocher was selected as the male athlete of the year.

On January 22, 2019, senior Chris DeRocher broke the AHS all-time scoring record at 1,435 points. DeRocher scored 29 against Sault Area to reach the milestone. He would end his Wildcat career with 1,625 points.

Alpena celebrating with Chris DeRocher at his all-time scoring record game, totaling 1,436 career points. (January 22, 2019)

Five girls were selected for the female athlete of the year: long distance runner Maddy Boyd, softball pitcher and school record holder Emma Fraser, soccer and basketball player Mollie Girard, basketball post Maddie Voltz, and shot put top ten athlete Faith Weide. Boyd received the honor.

Boyd ran both varsity cross country and track all four years of high school. In cross country she is a three-time all-conference runner, two-time all-region, two-time state qualifier and one-time all-state athlete. In track and field she earned all-conference four times and all-region three times. Boyd holds records in both the 3200 meter and 1600 meter run, as well as the record in cross country for AHS. The CMU signee was team captain for both sports her senior year. As of May 20th, Boyd’s personal best in the 3200 meter run is 10:59.22, which she ran at Regionals, and 5:11.21 in the 1600 meter run. Boyd will compete at the state meet in the 3200 m.

Alpena’s Maddy Boyd signed to run at CMU while Josh and Aden Smith will compete at MSU.

Congrats to all of the seniors, wishing them success with their future endeavors.