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Saturday, May 21, 2011

Gilliam, Kindle Telesis Athletes of the Year Merrill steps down as AD, coach

Today's News-Herald - Serving Lake Havasu City & The Lower Colorado River Area: David Gilliam was one of three Tigers to play on both state champion baseball teams, as well as help the basketball and football teams advance to the playoffs this year.

In addition to playing volleyball and basketball, Shelby Kindle was the backstop for the Lady Tigers’ softball team that earned a playoff spot in the team’s inaugural year.

The efforts of Gilliam and Kindle were recognized at the Telesis sports banquet, Tuesday, when the two seniors were named Telesis Athletes of the Year.

Gilliam — who said he would play for Eastern Arizona community College next year — also earned Arizona Charter Athletic Association All-State honors for football with teammate Fabian Damien.

Damian took another All-State honor in basketball, as did Kris Larson. In baseball, it was CAA league and Telesis team MVP Cameron Hoover along with Javaree Thompson named to the All-State team.

Kindle was named softball team co-MVP with Paytne Hinger, while Becky Escobar grabbed two team MVP honors — in volleyball with Corey Jones and in basketball.

In addition to MVP and All-State honors, Telesis Athletic Director Landon Merrill announced more than $24,000 in scholarships were earned by graduating Tigers athletes.

Merrill also told the crowd he was stepping down from his position, as well as leaving his football and basketball head coaching jobs, to pursue a career in the ministry. As of June 2, he will become the associate pastor for Covenant Church in Flagstaff.

“It’s been a long road but this has always been my dream, Merrill said Wednesday. “And I’m glad I was able to be part of laying a foundation that built character and integrity. And helped students that may never have played sports before or know the games, grow into people of talent and become great young men and women that will succeed in what they do in life.”

Chris Denney will assume the duties of Telesis athletic director starting with the 2011-12 school year. Denney was an assistant coach on the football team and head coach for the softball team.

“I’m excited. We’ve got a lot of good things happening at Telesis and the programs will continue to grow,” Denney said.

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