Coach Thorsen, the Azalea Middle School Bruins Head football coach, arrived in the Brookings area from Las Vegas earlier in the year and started a what could only be characterized as an unorthodox season.
Aside from being new to the area, he also had to deal with a giant natural disaster known as the Chetco Bar Fire.
Smoke, air quality, and heat were the first things he had to acclimate to while also being concerned about his new young team.
Despite these circumstances, Coach Thorsen brought a new team mindset that permeated what he calls a great group of young kids.
The Azalea Bruins and Coach Thorsen held their dinner and award ceremony last night. A grateful Thorsen thanked the families and community as well as his coaching assistants for all their contributions.
After a chicken and pulled pork for team dinner prepared by asst. coach Tim Lysette, all players received a certificate of participation, a team picture, and a very cool team hoodie.
Kallen Christiansen #4, Namyka Hatcher #73, Dimitri Pacino #3 and Gavin Mills #34.
The event went on to present individual awards for outstanding play in the categories of Offensive MVP, Defensive MVP, Team MVP, Most Improved Player, and the Coaches Award.
The Coaches Award went to,
#73 Namyka Hatcher.
The Most Improved Player went to,
Dimitri Pacino #3.
Offensive MVP was awarded to,
Josh Serna #24.
Defensive MVP went to
Kallen Christiansen #4
and the Team MVP was presented to,
#34 Gavin Mills.
The coach closed the evening by encouraging these young men to continue to challenge themselves, play other sports and recruit new players for next season.