Lauded as a once-in-a-lifetime “generational talent” during Hal High’s athletics awards banquet June 11, Tory Hill’s Cheyenne Degeer closed the book on her Red Hawks career the only way she knows how – by winning.
The graduating student scooped the senior girls’ Athlete of the Year award last week following her exploits in cross country, volleyball, badminton, and track & field.
“Cheyenne takes athleticism to the next level… I have not witnessed an ability quite like this in my 25 years-plus of coaching at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School,” said teacher Jason Morissette.
While Degeer excels in hockey – she’s earned a Div. 1 NCAA scholarship to play at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York this fall and is considered one of the top players in her age group – Morissette, her badminton coach, said she plays most sports at “an elite level.”
As a novice long-distance runner, Degeer was instrumental in the Red Hawks’ cross country team finishing second at Kawarthas and fourth at the COSSA regional championships last fall. She qualified or COSSA as a first-time mixed pairs badminton player, was a force on the senior girls’ volleyball team, and led the school’s female 4x100m relay team to the OFSAA provincial championships. Degeer also qualified for the 400m hurdles at OFSAA just weeks after learning how to run the event.
Morissette said Degeer was recognized not only for her running and work on the court, but for her positive presence in the locker room.
“It’s the hard work, goal setting and drive to compete that truly sets her apart as an elite high-performance athlete. Cheyenne is humble, down to earth, and has been a leader in showing and teaching us how it’s done… she’s a team player in every aspect, despite her immense talent,” he said.
Grade 11 student Graham Backus was named senior male Athlete of the Year after competing in volleyball, Nordic skiing, badminton, and track & field this year.
Mike Gaffney, HHSS volleyball coach, said Backus is a “true competitor” who knows what it takes to be a winner. He was a key part of the Red Hawks volleyball squad that claimed silver at COSSA, while representing Hal High at OFSAA for Nordic skiing, the boys’ 4x100m relay, and both the 110m and 400m hurdles.
“Graham is not just a good athlete; he’s an elite one. He trains like a pro, plays with some serious intensity and… is always pushing to get better,” Gaffney said. “He’s not just out there to play. He’s out there to compete, to dominate, and to win.”
Hailey Smith and Vanek Logan were named this year’s Rising Red Hawks, handed out to male and female junior athletes who showed great promise in competing across multiple sports.
Coach recognized
Paul Klose was presented with Hal High’s 2025 Impact Award after spending years developing the school’s wrestling program and helping student athletes become the best versions of themselves.
Fellow wrestling coach Dan Fockler said of Klose, “behind every successful team, there’s a ton of organization, some serious behind-the-scenes hustle, and timely humour to keep everyone sane.
“When Klose is in charge, magic happens. Every piece falls into place and athletes can just focus on the matches in front of them. He’s one-of-one in my book,” Fockler added.
Christianna Walker worked with Klose for four years before her graduation in 2010. She said she still uses some of the life lessons he taught her today.
“Paul has always been dedicated and passionate about supporting his athletes. I missed quite a bit of class for wrestling, but Paul was always there to help me catch up, review, or write a test early during his lunch break,” Walker said. “He shapes character, builds confidence and instills values in his athletes.”
Teacher and athletics coordinator Janice Scheffee said 157 Red Hawk athletes competed on 18 teams this year, including the return of girls’ rugby and a first season for ultimate frisbee.
Collectively, the school captured four team-based Kawartha championships, participated in a dozen COSSA regional events, and made four OFSAA appearances – in cross-country running, Nordic skiing, wrestling, and track & field.
“Way to go Red Hawks – congratulations to all our athletes and coaches for making this year a huge success,” Scheffee said.
