Editor's Note - Players from the area's two best teams, Tippecanoe Valley and Wawasee, dominate the 2006 Times-Union All-Area team. The Vikings and Warriors boast three players on the squad.Wawasee senior Joe Leach appear on the front cover as the Times-Union Area Player of the Year, joining former teammate Austin Kaiser who was co-Player of the Year in 2005. Leach was also named Offensive Player of the Year at the conclusion of the football season.
Once again, there will be no honorable mention. While we recognize the efforts and hard work of all the athletes we cover, we also have a responsibility to try and lend as much credibility to such awards as we can.
With a coverage area of six schools, a list of 20-plus players honored with all-area or honorable mention seems excessive and dilutes the recognition.
While statistics played a factor in the decision, it went beyond points per game. Some players made their selections simple. The sports department analyzed non-scoring categories and valued them more than in years past.
And while the opinions of coaches, other media outlets and enthusiastic fans were taken into consideration, the ultimate decision and subsequent wrath lies on the Times-Union sports department.
The Times-Union sports department would like to thank Cox Studio for the head shots of Steve Lemasters and Tommy Reinholt.
