They’ve received well-deserved acknowledgement for a second straight conference title, district championship and third place in the team totals at state. Last week, members of the Belle Plaine boys’ track squad gathered with family and fans one last time to receive team awards.

Seivon Steward was named the team Most Valuable Player. Coaches’ Awards went to John Long and Brian Crow. Chris Janss claimed the Plainsman Award, Ben Ehlen was the Most Improved Award winner and the Rookie of the Year was Chase Bryant.

Coach Mark Tegeler announced that Brayden Morrow, Keegan DeMeulenaere and Ehlen will be the 2011 co-captains.

This year’s squad featured 11 seniors and 10 freshmen. Their third place finish at state was the highest finish for a Belle Plaine team since the 1971 state championship team.

This year’s BP boys’ track award winners include, from left: Ben Ehlen, Most

Improved; John Long, Coaches’Award; Chris Janss, Plainsman Award, Brian Crow,

Coaches’ Award, Seivon Steward, Most Valuable Player and Chase Bryant, Rookie

of the Year.