Hunter, Wolke receive state awards –

By Mark Carpenter –

A pair of student/athletes from West Union High School received the ultimate honor earlier this month when they were recognized as All-State soccer players by the Ohio Scholastic Soccer Coaches Association.  Sophomore Heidi Hunter and senior Andre Wolke from WUHS were honored at the OSSCA All-State Banquets in Columbus on Jan. 7.
The sophomore Hunter has been named team captain in both year os her high school career and helped lead the Lady Dragons to their first tournament win in school history and the best record in the program’s 20-year history.  “The team pivoted on her control and leadership,” said WUHS head soccer Coach Kevin Hunter, who also happens to be the proud father of Heidi.  “She communicates extremely well with her teammates and acts as a coach on the field.  Heidi is the ultimate team player who prides herself in assists and can and will play anywhere on the field.”
Hunter has been First Team All-District for two years and is also very active in helping with the local youth soccer programs and has been invited to play on multiple club teams throughout Ohio, and is currently a member of FC Passion out of Milford.
The senior Wolke has been part of a major transformation of the West Union boys soccer program, helping transform the program from a team with an 0-15 record and a goal ratio of 17 for, 112 against to a team with a goal ratio of 25 for, 26 against.  Andre has three times been named First Team All-District and two times All-Southern Hills Athletic Conference.
Another unselfish player who prides himself in the assist, 80% of the team’s goals in his junior year came from his assists, which according to Coach Hunter is “unheard of.”  Wolke was a four-year varsity starter for the Dragons and as Coach Hunter so aptly puts it, “the player everyone in our league struggles to get the ball past.”
Wolke is described as a “leader on and off the field”, taking part in fund raiser events and volunteering to coach youth soccer teams.
The People’s Defender extends the heartiest of congratulations to both of these exceptional students and athletes.