Character does really count

Postseason athletic honors are often determined by a player's performance during competition. But at least one award focuses on contributions that cannot always be measured statistically.

Olivia Grooters, a senior at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, is the recipient of such an honor. It is the E. Wayne Cooley Award, which is presented by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union

According to H-M-S volleyball coach Cheryl Kroese, the award is presented to someone who "demonstrates character and leadership in the sport of volleyball...It is for the player who contributes greatly to the team by character, enthusiasm and dedication."

Grooters has participated in volleyball for four years and is a two-time letter winner.

The award is named in honor of the long-time executive secretary of the IGHSAU who served from 1954 to 2002.