Tanya Chilton | The News
Katherine Martin, swimmer for the East Surry Cardinals, and Jimmy Speer of the East Surry wrestling team are chosen as the Edward Jones December Athletes of the month. Pictured, from left, are Renee Martin, Katherine Martin, Deanna Chilton of Edward Jones Investments and East Surry Principal Diane Beane.
Jeff Linville | The News
Jimmy Speer is seen in action at the Jimmy Martin Duals at Surry Central. His record is 17-4 this season.
PILOT MOUNTAIN — The East Surry Department of Athletics in conjunction with Edward Jones Investments selected swimmer, Katherine Martin, and wrestler, Jimmy Speer, as East Surry’s December Athletes of the Month on Wednesday.
Deanna Chilton of the investment firm presented the Edward Jones athlete awards on East’s home basketball court during half-time of the varsity girl’s basketball game against Elkin.
The awards presentation also was attended by Principal Diane Beane, who accepted Speer’s award on his behalf. Speer was unable to attend because of a wrestling match being held in Elkin.
Award recipient, Martin, has swam for a 9-1 individual record, so far this season, said East Surry swim coach, Leah Tunstall. The swim coach said Martin’s best events are the 200 meter individual medley and the 100 meter butterfly. Martin has qualified for regional times in both events.
Martin was joined out on the court by her mother, Renee Martin, as part of the ceremony.
Tunstall said, “I am really proud that Katherine has been selected for this award. She is very dedicated, is a hard worker and very deserving.” Tunstall further described Martin as a great person and a great fit for the award.
Martin has swam both her freshman and sophomore years under Tunstall but began swimming at 7 years of age, Tunstall said.
Though unable to attend the presentation, Speer triumphed in his personal competition against Elkin and won the match with a pin. East Surry won the match against Elkin, overall.
Speer has a 17-4 record and recently won in the prestigious Joe Via Invitational Wrestling Tournament in the 160-pound weight class. Speer leads the East Surry wrestling team in wins and ranks. East Surry head wrestling coach, Darrin Haywood, said Speer is in the top two in pins, takedowns and nearfalls.
Haywood said, “It is great he got the award. He did it in a 160 weight class and started at 147 pounds.” He now weighs in at 145 and is a hard working competitor, said the coach.
Haywood described Speer as having a unique technique in wrestling and spoke of his dedication. “He outworks people and is a fun kid to coach.”
Speer is a junior and this is his third year of wrestling for East, said Haywood.
The December athlete award selections were greeted with a huge round of applause by the audience in the gymnasium.
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