Lindsey Butler (Photo courtesy of Deidra Reeves)
Lindsey Butler, a junior at Bryant (swimming), Joseph Giles, a senior at Jonesboro (swimming) and Tyler Mann a senior at Little Rock Central (wrestling) have been named the Wendy’s High School Players of the Year for their respective sports. This award is sponsored by Wendy’s and is open to student-athletes playing varsity sports at Arkansas Activity Association member schools.
Coaches and school administrators were eligible to make nominations for this award during the voting period of February 28, 2014 through March 5, 2014.
Butler is the ASI Arkansas Swimmer of the Year (Short Course) for 2013 and 2012. During her sophomore high school season she established the overall state record in the 100-yard backstroke with a 58.23. She won the event this year in 59.14. She was an All-State swimmer in 2012 and 2013.
Giles has been one the top swimmers in the state for several years. During the regular season he finished first in all of his individual events. During last month’s state Swimming and Diving Championships, Giles won the 100-yard backstroke with a record setting time of 50.76.
“I am very proud of Lindsey,” said Bryant swimming and diving coach Angel Dale. “She is very deserving of this award. Lindsey is a team player and a hard worker. I would like to thank Coach Lisa Mundy for putting in the work to get Lindsey nominated.”
Mann is probably the most decorated wrestler in the state history of this event. In four years he has been a 3-time USA National Wrestling All-American, Fila Cadet All-American, 4-time Arkansas High School State Wrestling champion, 4-time All-State selection, 3-time Most Outstanding Wrestler in the state, 3-time Arkansas freestyle state champion, 3-year member of the Arkansas National Team, 2-time Win Magazine Wrestler of the Year, Army Midlands National Champion and a Wendy’s Heisman Award winner and state finalist.
Each winner will receive a plaque and a medallion from Wendy’s which will be presented at Wendy’s Day of Champions luncheon at the Arkansas Activities Association office at the end of the athletic season.
Wendy’s Player of the Year
Player of the Year
Sport Winner Coach
Girls Golf Sarah Childers, Valley View Phil Parker
Boys Golf Jack Robertson, Bentonville Kent Early
Girls Tennis Tiffany Tang, Rogers Matthew Fulton
Boys Tennis Christian Mathis, Mountain Home David Moore
Volleyball Brentlee Weaver, Valley View Margie McGee
Girls Cross Country Elise Reina, Springdale Har-Ber Brett Unger
Boys Cross Country Jacob Shiohira, Bentonville Randy Ramaker
Dance Ellie Stafford, Jonesboro Caroline Crawford
Cheer Taylor Varnell, Bald Knob Monica Roberts
Football Ty Storey, Charleston Greg Kendrick
Girls Swimming Lindsey Erin Butler, Bryant Angel Dale
Boys Swimming Josepg Giles, Jonesboro James Locke
Wrestling Tyler Mann, LR Central Shawn Hickey
