• Article Photo. Freshman Coach Tony Stenberg congratulates his team on their 7-2 season during the wrap-up.
    Freshman Coach Tony Stenberg congratulates his team on their 7-2 season during the wrap-up.
  • Article Photo. Coach Aric Chvala presents certificates to soph players.
    Coach Aric Chvala presents certificates to soph players.
  • Article Photo. These sophomores were part of the Viking varsity roster.
    These sophomores were part of the Viking varsity roster.
  • Article Photo. Viking Juniors received their awards.
    Viking Juniors received their awards.
  • Article Photo. Coach W thanked the seniors for their contributions to the team.
    Coach W thanked the seniors for their contributions to the team.
  • Article Photo. These Vikings received team awards during the wrap-up.
    These Vikings received team awards during the wrap-up.
  • Article Photo. District All-Academic honors: Tanner S., Chase O., Dylan R., Warren R. and Aaron H.
    District All-Academic honors: Tanner S., Chase O., Dylan R., Warren R. and Aaron H.
  • Article Photo. First team all district: Tanner S., Eric S., Warren R. and Nick Hyland.
    First team all district: Tanner S., Eric S., Warren R. and Nick Hyland.
  • Article Photo. Coach W congratulates 2nd team all-district players Andrew F., Chase O., Michael N. and Joel B.
    Coach W congratulates 2nd team all-district players Andrew F., Chase O., Michael N. and Joel B.
  • Article Photo. VS football parents assembled this collage of Vinton Today photos for the football wrap-up.
    VS football parents assembled this collage of Vinton Today photos for the football wrap-up.

The Vinton-Shellsburg Vikings looked back on a tough season plagued by injuries, but looked forward as well to next year, during the annual wrap-up on Thursday.

Coach Joe Womochil reminded the team that in its early losses, it held 4th-quarter leads.

The Vikings finished 2-7 on the year, and will play in a new district next year. Womochil said he believes the new districts will be announced in January.

Despite the disappointing win-loss record, the Vikings tallied 500 more rushing yards than last year’s team, and scored seven more rushing touchdowns.

The shortage of junior and senior players meant that about 10 sophomores saw a lot of playing time. Two of them, Nick Hyland and Joel Barnes, earned All-District honors.

Coach Womochil expressed optimism about the future; next year the Vikings will return most of their starting linemen along with many of the skilled position players.

Womochil also predicted that whatever the district the Vikings end up in, it will include three or four strong contenders for a state title.

The coach urged his players to continue working in the weight room – and the classroom.

While five players earned District All-Academic honors, Coach Womochil said he would like to see that number increase significantly. VS football is at its best, he said, “when the best people are the best players.”

The freshmen and sophomore coaches also spoke about their players, and reviewed the highlights of the season. Coach Womochil also presented team awards.

Honorees included:

Coach’s Award: Brady Silberger, Chase Overton, Eli Rogers

Offensive Player of Year/Top Back: Zach Hyland

Defensive Player of the Year: Michael Neal

Special Teams Player of the Year: Aaron Henderson

Mr. Hustle: Tanner Spies

Most Improved: Brandon Geiger

Lineman of the Year: Warren Rouse

First Team All-District: Tanner Spies Eric Studer, Warren Rouse, Nick Hyland.

Second Team All-District: Andrew Freeman, Chase Overton, Michael Neal, Joel Barnes.

Academic All-District: Tanner Spies, Chase Overton, Dylan Rippel, Warren Rouse, Aaron Henderson.