WVMS Wildcats wrap up season with more teacher honors

The WVMS Wildcats modified football team wrapped up its season and their gratitude and recognition campaign — My Jersey, Your Impact — this week. Each week this season, two (occasionally three) Wildcat football players have shared their jersey’s with a teacher whose guidance has meant a great deal to them during their middle school experience. The jerseys are shared on gamedays, and teachers can either display them in their classrooms or even wear them!

This week, we have seven students saying “thank you” to the teachers who have made a memorable and meaningful impact on their lives. These seven student jersey presentations were made over the course of the past couple weeks.  

John Butler, OL/DL John is a first-year player who really fell in love with football. His size and strength allowed Coach Botta to utilize John “all over the offensive and defensive line.” John was always champing at the bot to get in the game and make a play. John chose Mr. Gouveia, his favorite middle school teacher. Mr. Gouveia always made science fun.
Maddox Eschman, OL/DL Maddox is another first-year player who made his presence felt along the offensive and defensive lines. A coach’s kind of player, Maddox always had great questions at practice, worked hard, and showed improvement throughout the whole season. Maddox chose to give his jersey to “the best principal he’s ever had,” WVMS associate principal Mr. Radon! Maddox appreciates how Mr. Radon makes school fun, and especially his great sense of humor. Maddox also knew that Mr. Radon would appreciate the jersey, having been a Wildcat himself in high school.
Bobby Mosier, UT In his first year player with the Wildcats, Bobby played at wide receiver, running back, and even took a few snaps at quarterback. Bobby has terrific knowledge of the game and he is always eager to get on the field and make a play. Bobby chose to give his jersey to Ms. Cronk, his seventh grade math teacher. Bobby appreciated all the extra help Ms. Cronk provided during her lunch period. Bobby said he knows he “can count on Ms. Cronk for anything!”
Charlie Ronan, TE Our starting tight end is one of three players on the team to have multiple touchdown receptions this season. Chuck runs excellent routes, has a natural ability to find the open space, and has terrific hands. “The guy does not drop passes,” said Coach Botta. “Once the Wildcats reach the red zone, we can always rely on Chuck to finish off the drive.” Chuck chose to give his jersey to social studies teacher Mr. Patafio, because he enjoys his energy and sense of humor he brings to the classroom. He also loves being able to talk football with him, and those signature Patafio fist bumps in the hallway!
Owen Umbach, WR/LB Coach Botta said that Owen, in his first year, has all the qualities coaches look for in a player — always ready to practice, respectful, and willing to play anywhere. Owen has lined up a nearly every defensive position at some point this season, and has been one of the best tacklers on the team. Owen elected to give his jersey to Mr. Gouveia, who said is “favorite teacher ever.” Owen has always enjoyed Mr. Gouveia’s science class, and the many ways he makes learning fun.
John Vega, CB John was a late addition to the Wildcats, but made an immediate impact on the team’s defense. Coach Botta called him their “lockdown cornerback.” John chose to honor math teacher Ms. Cronk. John has had her for both Masterful Math and Math 7, and said that she is always a really nice and nurturing teacher. Math is John’s best subject, and he thinks that has plenty to do with this terrific teacher!
Azariah Morgiewicz-Devereaux, OL/DL Azariah has never had any problem playing either side of the line. He’s been a force on the Wildcats for two seasons. Azariah chose to give his jersey to Mr. Gouveia because he’s been “the best teacher [I] ever had.” Fun Fact: Mr. Gouveia also had Azariah’s mom as a student! This was a real “full circle” moment for a very proud Mr. Gouveia!