By By Chandler Myers
Three area high school students were presented with the Challenger Award Monday night in Pensacola, Fla. for their ability to lead by example and playing with a Christ-like attitude.
Escambia Academy’s Blake Kirk, ECHS’s Brett Wilkins and Northview’s Luke Killam were each selected by their coaches or teammates as the recipient from their respective schools.
Kirk, a senior football and basketball player at EA, was selected by his teammates.
Cougars athletic director and head football coach Heath Gibson said he allows his players select the person they feel best represents the qualifications for the Challenger Award. He added that Kirk was chosen because of the attitude he approaches the game with.
This was the first time that Kirk was selected for the award.
Kirk said he is proud that his teammates selected him, and added he knows anyone on his team could have been chosen.
ECHS sophomore Brett Wilkins is a now two-time honoree for the Challenger Award, after winning his eighth grade year, and being selected this year.
Wilkins’ selection process takes a different route than Kirks.
Blue Devils athletic director and head football coach Kyle Davis said the selection of the Challenger recipient goes through the coaching staff.
After winning two years ago, Wilkins knows what it takes to earn an honor like winning the Challenger Award.
He said that showing respect for the people around you on the field is the best way to get respected.
Chiefs senior Luke Killam was selected as the Challenger Award winner from Northview. He could not be reached for comment.