Pierre Athletic Coaches Association Senior Career Athlete Award & Scholarship 2015
Each spring Pierre Athletic Coaches Association honors a senior male and a senior female athlete for
their involvement and dedication to Governor & Lady Governor Athletics over their years at Riggs High
School. These student athletes are nominated by a coach and the recipients are voted on by the entire
coaching staff of Pierre School District. This year PACA has elected to use surplus funds to recognize 4
student athletes. The Honorable Mention awardees will receive a $250.00 scholarship and the Senior
Career Athlete Award & Scholarship winners will receive $300.00.
Honorable Mentions: ($250.00)
FEMALE ATHLETE: McKenna Halverson (volleyball, basketball, track)
In volleyball, McKenna shows up every day ready to work with a smile on her face and is open,
accepting, and “Super nice” to the younger athletes. McKenna has a way of making every athlete feel
welcome. Her positive attitude it catching and helps the team compete with smiles and intensity.
McKenna has always been a contributor to the success of the girls’ track and field team. She is an
individual of great character and has a tremendous work ethic. McKenna is a 3 time State Meet
competitor in the triple jump and holds the second longest jump in school history with a leap of 35
feet.
McKenna has been a valuable contributor for the girls’ basketball program as well. She graduates in
the top 5 in season and career 3 pt. makes and exhibited great leadership throughout her senior
season. McKenna was willing to adjust her individual assignments and responsibilities on an almost
nightly basis and showed great improvement in her defense and rebounding over the course of the
season. Her willingness to set aside individual goals in favor of team success was noticed by her
teammates and their selecting her for the Sacrifice Award after the season.
MALE Athlete: Jace Jerome (football):
Jace is a 3 year letter winner and one of the hardest working athletes on the team. Jace led with work
ethic and is driven to always reach his highest potential both on the athletic field and in the classroom
where he holds a 4.0 GPA including dual-credit and AP coursework. Jace epitomizes the high school
student athlete who excels and is willing to always do what is best for the team. Jace is involved in
volunteer activities outside of school helping mentor/coach a junior football team and is involved with
student government.
Senior Career Athlete Award & Scholarship Winners: ($300.00 & Plaque)
FEMALE Athlete: Sydney Palmer (soccer, basketball, track)
Sydney Palmer demonstrates everything that coaches would want out of a student-athlete. She has
shown a tremendous drive and work ethic—resulting in outstanding performances and accolades
throughout her basketball and track career. Sydney averaged 19.6 ppg, 2.1 steals/game, and 6.8
rebounds/game which was impressive enough to earn her Gatorade Player of the Year, Spirit of Su at
the AA tournament, and AA player of the Year, to go along with first team nominations to All-ESD and
All-State. She has handled all of these accolades with incredible humility and class. She is also able to
maintain high academic standing in challenging courses, earning Academic All-State this year. This
year in particular, she has shown impressive leadership abilities and a desire to help her teammates
perform at their highest level.
Sydney is one of the most decorated throwers to compete at TF Riggs High School. She is a 5 time
state place finisher, placing 2nd in both the shot put and discus in 2014. Sydney is a 3 time ESD
champion, winning the shot put title in 2012 and 2014 as well as the discus title in 2014. Currently
she has the 2nd and 4th best throws on the school top ten list in the shot put and discus respectively.
MALE Athlete: Wyatt Rumrill (soccer, football):
Wyatt has participated in Governor Soccer, cross country, track and football in his years as a Governor
Athlete. Wyatt also served in leadership on the teen court and a record breaker on the community
swim team. His academics are outstanding and he is involved in volunteer work through his church.
He represents the Pierre Community in the most positive manner.