2011 Winter Athletes of the Year

The Vindicator is pleased to announce its Winter Sports Athletes of The Year.

The eight athletes profiled in these pages and on Vindy.com enjoyed great success during their seasons, bringing pride to the Valley and representing their schools and teams in the highest fashion.

In basketball, Taylor Williams of Howland led her team to a conference championship and the semifinals of the Division I district championship.

DeVonte Jenkins of Ursuline led his school’s program back among the elite in the area in Division III, as the Fighting Irish won the district championship at Salem and advanced to the finals of the regional tournament in Canton.

Swimmers Jordan Moxley of Maplewood, Katie Joseph of McDonald and Gavin Trebilcock of Canfield were all state champions.

Moxley added to her haul of state gold medals in indoor and outdoor track, while Joseph won the first swimming state gold medal in McDonald High School history.

Trebilcock continued the tradition of swimming excellence, not only at Canfield, but in his family, and he’ll join his older brother on the Ohio State swim team in the fall.

Wrestler Johnny Matacic will graduate from Jackson-Milton as the school’s all-time leader in wins and the program’s only two-time state champion. He also is proud to represent the community of Craig Beach.

Bowler Corey Bayus of Struthers won a gold medal at the state championships, yet remains unfazed by his great accomplishment.

And Samantha Dudley of Hubbard again earned high honors in bowling, and her natural and outgoing leadership qualities made her a favorite among coaches and fans.