The 2003 edition of the Charles Henderson baseball team tied the team record for wins in a season with 24 this season, going 24-6.

Wednesday night, the Trojans were honored for their accomplishments with their end-of-season banquet.

"I wish it had been one more," Trojan coach Steve Garrett said.

The Trojans lost to eventual state champion St. Paul's of Mobile. The Saints defeated Cullman in the finals.

"I wish we had played Cullman," Garrett said. "I wish we had been able to come out of the North bracket."

Since the Trojans were not able to play out of the North, they had to settle for watching the finals.

Still, after the 2002 season with a 10-17record, the Trojans were happy to celebrate their accomplishments Wednesday.

Senior Clint Pugh garnered the most accolades, taking home the Offensive MVP award, the Gatorade MVP award and the Terry Sikes Memorial Scholarship.

Sikes was a baseball coach at Charles Henderson

who died from an illness. His widow, Jennifer Sikes, presented the award to Pugh.

"I just want you to know that I love this team," Sikes said.

The scholarship is worth $1,500 and is usable at any school Pugh chooses.

Fellow senior David Doty also took home some awards. He was named the defensive MVP and the Gatorade Will to Win award.

Both players who received awards sponsored by Gatorade are eligible for scholarship money as well.

Pitchers Matt Johnson and Pete Van Horn were also recognized. The duo was given the "1-2 Punch" Award for their outstanding achievements on the pitching mound.

Johnson and Van Horn combined for the most wins of any two pitchers in the five years Garrett has coached (the extent of the records) with 18 (Johnson had 10, Van Horn eight).

Another pitcher was named the Rookie of the Year. Chad Jordan was given that award, thanks in large part to his complete-game win over Northview in the regular-season finale.

The most valuable player award, though, went to the Trojans' junior second baseman. Brett Pierce, who led the team in batting average and was a force on defense, was named MVP.