The St. Joseph Sports Commission rolled out the red carpet Monday night for the area's brightest young athletes and dedicated coaches at the 2026 St. Joseph Sports Inc. Awards Presentation. Hosted at Missouri Western State University, the ceremony celebrated excellence both on the field and in the community, proving that true champions shine just as brightly in the classroom and beyond.
The night kicked off with the Community Engagement Award of Excellence, sponsored by the St. Joseph Sports Commission. Ten standout student athletes—including Cammie Peters and Cole Kelley from Benton, Lily Bridges and Ayden Hardy from Lafayette, Melody Montgomery and Ethan High from Central, Reagan Maudlin and Aiden Martindell from St. Joseph Christian, and Gracie Ide and Brody Cathcart from Bishop LeBlond—each received a $200 scholarship. But the top honor went to one of these remarkable individuals, who took home a $750 scholarship for their outstanding volunteer work.
Take Gracie Ide from Bishop LeBlond, for example. She didn't just show up—she founded the St. Joseph Catholic Academy Tutoring Program and brought holiday cheer through Noyes Home caroling. Ethan High from Central was equally impressive, serving as a Real World Learning Student Ambassador, leading as an Image Youth Group Leader, and lending his voice to the Church Praise Team. These are the kind of extracurriculars that build character, not just college applications.
The coaching community also had its moment in the spotlight. Nominees for top coach honors included Ryan Madison (Lafayette), Jared Boone (Benton), Dr. James Schoonover (St. Joseph Christian), Chuck Davis (Bishop LeBlond), and Callene Farrell (Central). But it was Jared Boone of Benton who walked away with Coach of the Year, fresh off leading the Benton boys basketball team through one of the most successful runs in program history.
"Everything is very humbling, very exciting," Boone said, deflecting the credit with the grace of a true leader. "I'm not in this position without my players, coaching staff, and my school's administration. There's a lot that goes into this. This is an award for a lot of people, not just myself."
Then came the big moment: the top student athlete awards. Nominees each received a $750 scholarship, but the winners took home a $1,500 prize. Eliana Arambula from Benton is a multi-sport marvel—volleyball, soccer, track, and basketball—who has been a varsity starter for four years. Her resume reads like a highlight reel: multiple All-Conference, All-District, All-City, and All-State selections, Player of the Year honors, and a state runner-up finish. Oh, and she carries a 4.34 GPA with Summa Cum Laude honors. Leadership and service? Check and check.
Kanon Wetlaufer from Central is equally decorated, competing in football, basketball, and baseball. As a two-year football captain, he set school passing records for touchdowns and yards while earning All-City, All-Conference, All-District, and Academic All-State honors. He ranks in the top 3% of his class with a 3.98 GPA and has already piled up 35 college credit hours through Missouri Western State University's Early College Academy—all while maintaining a 4.00 GPA there.
For Arambula, winning the award in her senior year was the perfect capstone. "It's an incredible honor," she shared, her gratitude evident. "This community has supported me every step of the way, and I'm proud to represent St. Joseph."
From the court to the classroom to the community, Monday night's ceremony proved that St. Joseph's future is in very good hands—and wearing the right gear for the journey ahead.