A tribute to the male graduating athletes

These male student athletes will be remembered for their effort and character
The graduating class of male student athletes of 2016 from Windsor High School will be remembered for their many accomplishments both on the field and in the classroom.  
The male athletes selected in this issue were among the best and brightest of their class and all had one thing in common – they represented their school and teams with tremendous talent, dedication and sportsmanship.  
Although there were too many seniors to list, we congratulate all of the athletes for their accomplishments and pay tribute to a few in words and pictures. The following is part-2 of a two-part series. See the June 9, 2016 issue of The Windsor Times for the female athlete tribute.
(1) Strength – Dominic Ducharme was the most accomplished wrestler in the rich history of the WHS program, winning multiple individual league and North Coast Section titles. Starting as a 115-pound freshman, he led the Jaguars to yearly league pennants and a pair of NCS Dual championships. He capped a star-studded four-year career in the 170-pound class this spring when he captured his second straight NCS championship before going on to a third-place finish at the elite CIF State tournament. It was the highest finish ever for a Windsor wrestler. (John Sachs)
(2) Production – Sam Penning made his mark as a three-year starter for the WHS varsity baseball squad, rising to become a team MVP and an All-League pitcher and shortstop. Penning produced a prolific senior campaign that included a team-best .440 batting average, 33 hits and 19 runs batted in. He was also the Jags’ winningest pitcher with a 4-3 record while completing a 2.35 earned run average. (Greg Clementi)
(3) Courage – Branden Walton overcame tremendous obstacles to enjoy a sparkling career at Windsor in both cross-country and track. Visually impaired since birth, Walton rose to become one of the top distance runners in both sports and is among the best distance runners in the world in his class. His drive and dedication have served as an inspiration to all while he continues a quest to land a spot in the World Paralympic Games. (Michael Lucid)  
(4) Power – Anthony Spallino was among the best athletes in his graduating class, excelling in football and wrestling in a remarkable high school career. A three year starting linebacker and leading tackler, Spallino was a driving force for the Jaguars in their march to the North Coast Section playoffs. His best moments came on the wrestling mat as a league and NCS champion, going on to capture an eighth-place medal in the 195-pound division at the state tournament. (Greg Clementi)  
(5) Athleticism – Curtis Johnson was the epitome of a natural athlete with a distinguished run in both varsity basketball and football. A three-year starter in hoops, Johnson was a consistent scorer and rebounder in helping the Jaguars win the 2015/16 league title. His physical gifts also proved valuable on the gridiron, where he was a prolific receiver in a great senior season. (Guy Foster)
(6) Skill – Mitch Bruning completed a sparkling high school football career last fall as one of his team’s best all-around athletes. A three-year starting All-League linebacker, Bruning was among the Jag’s leading tacklers. He also gained distinction on the offensive side of the ball as a sure-handed receiver and play-maker. (Jean Fruth)  
(7) Talent – Gabe Knight was destined for greatness after transferring from Ukiah before his junior year, using his great talent and natural ability to lead the Jaguars to great heights. An unstoppable force whether shooting from the outside or driving to the basket, Knight eclipsed the magical 1,000-point scoring mark in just two seasons. His outstanding skills and leadership helped guide the Jags to an unbeaten NBL campaign this year. (Greg Clementi)  
(8) Leadership – Max Brown combined skill and leadership in a multi-year varsity career in football and baseball, emerging as a driving force on his teams. A steady quarterback with a knack for the big play, Brown led the team to a pair of NCS playoff berths. He was also a valuable member of the baseball team as a pitcher and outfielder. (Greg Clementi)
(9) Longevity – Brent Tucker was a mainstay in a superb four-year varsity career for the Jaguars, forming part of a strong nucleus of talent that would make its mark among the best teams in school history. Along the way Tucker amassed over 700 career points and helped lead the team to yearly trips to the playoffs before capturing an NBL title in 2016. (Greg Clementi)
(10) Consistency – Beau Colombini will be remembered simply as one of best wrestlers in WHS history, winning multiple individual league and North Coast Section titles. At the heart of a Golden Age of Windsor wrestling, Colombini led the Jags to league titles each year and a pair of NCS Duals championships. He was a two-time state qualifier, bringing home a sixth-place medal in the 160-pound division last spring. (Guy Foster)  
(11) Gifted – Parker Canady was as productive as he was talented in a distinguished multi-year run for the WHS basketball program, emerging as one of his teams’ best players in multiple varsity seasons. Averaging nearly 12 points per game, Canady was a key factor in the Jags’ undefeated season last winter, earning him All-League honors. He also played one season on the varsity football team. (Guy Foster)
(12) Drive – Sam Fletcher was part of the best linebacking corps in the North Bay League in a sparkling three-year run on the varsity football squad. A fierce defender, Fletcher was near the top in team tackles each season. Along the way he earned All-League distinction and led his teams to yearly trips to the North Coast Section playoffs. (Guy Foster)