KMCH and F&M Bank Host Inaugural ‘Standout Performer of the Week’ Banquet

Local athletes from several schools were honored Wednesday night during the first-ever Standout Performer of the Week Awards Banquet hosted by KMCH and F&M Bank.

The two businesses partnered to start the program this past year, with twenty-five high school athletes chosen as standout performers in their sport – each receiving their award during the banquet held at Windmill Hill north of Manchester.

That’s Jim Miller, who was invited to share some words of inspiration to the student athletes, their parents and coaches before the awards were presented. Miller, who coached wrestling on the high school and college levels, came into an under-performing program at Wartburg College that hadn’t won a Conference Championship in fourteen years. By the time he retired in 2013, the team had won 21 conference titles in a row – and ten national championships. 

West Delaware football coach Doug Winkowitsch says they try to take that mindset into everything they do.

Coach Wink was at the banquet supporting one of his star athletes, Will Ward.

Ward was one of five football players recognized as a Standout Performer of the Week last fall. Fellow football player Preston Ries of Monticello, who has verbally committed to playing football for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2024, says he appreciated Coach Miller’s advice.

Standout Performer Alivia Schulte, who stars in track at West Delaware, says she tries to keep a positive attitude when competing.

Ed-Co wrestler Dawson Bergan says his mindset is simple.

You can find a list of all of the student athletes we’ve honored this past year as Standout Performers of the Week below – they come from seven local schools and cover everything from baseball to bowling. KMCH Sports Director Jon Swisher says it’s been a fun first year for this program.

KMCH and F&M Bank will kick off year two of the Standout Performer of the Week starting next week.

photos courtesy of Janelle Tucker/KMCH