Southeastern District Male Athlete of the Year
During Lew Johnston's long and illustrious career as the head football coach at Western Branch high school, he made it a point to never pick his own team captains before the start of each season. Instead, he would have his coaches and players nominate their own candidates of who they believed should help lead and guide the team. Johnston would then sift through the submissions and then handpick those he felt worthy and these chosen ones would become his "Lieutenants".
When he went to make his selections at the beginning of this past season, he wasn't surprised at the fact that senior Darien Kearney was nominated, but he does admit to being a little taken back by just how many times he saw his name submitted.
"It was amazing how many nominations he got," Johnston says. "He had the player's respect, the coaches' respect, and then of course, my respect."
Kearney would not disappoint his coach as he would go onto have a monster season at linebacker for the Bruins before also excelling for the school's indoor and outdoor track and field teams during the winter and spring months.
He had 9 sacks, 17 tackles for a loss, and averaged 9 tackles a game for the football team and placed third for the shot put in the Eastern Regional track and field meet. Kearney also racked up some impressive football honors as he was the team's defensive player of the year, selected 1st Team All-District, and landed a spot on the inaugural All-Gameday Team. But Johnston says that his influence to the teams that he played for was not always measurable by statistics.
"He was always enthusiastic and positive," Johnston says. "He provided tremendous leadership and backed up his play with his encouraging words. To me, that is the complete leader."
During Johnston's tenure, players were awarded stickers to go on their helmets for making big hits and big plays. Kearney topped that list as well.
Because of his athletic ability and encouragement of others, Kearney always seemed to be the anchor of whatever team he was on; if for no other reason, that is why Darien Kearney is our Southeastern District Male Athlete of the Year.
