McNary High School athletes and coaches were recognized at the annual Salem-Keizer Beacon awards ceremony on Tuesday, June 10.
Three Celts took home “Athlete of the Year” awards, and the boys soccer coach was awarded “Coach of the Year.”
“This year’s event was fantastic – well attended,” said Scott Whipple, president of the Salem-Keizer Beacons Booster Club.
The event was held in the Elsinore Theatre. Attendants wore their best attire to the two-hour program, some cheering on nominees and others presenting or accepting awards.
The crowd burst into applause when Miguel Camarena, the Celts boys soccer coach, was named “Coach of the Year.” He’s also a behavioral specialist at McNary.
“Miguel just continues to run an exceptional program at McNary. They’re competitive at the conference level, of course, and on into the state level,” Whipple said.
He also mentioned Camarena’s community involvement through various soccer clubs, camps, and organizations.
The Beacons chose Camarena among three candidates nominated by athletic directors. Whipple said he was selected based on boys soccers’ performance last season, securing the Central Valley Conference championship for the third consecutive year and finishing seventh statewide.
Camarena, who has coached at McNary for over two decades, wasn’t surprised by the recognition.
“Our program is one of the top 10 programs in the entire state,” he said. “So it was kind of expected.”
Camarena said that structure is key to his program’s success. He keeps four teams – varsity, two junior varsity rosters and a freshman roster. As a result, the varsity lineup replenishes talent when seniors graduate.
This also keeps their numbers high. Last season, Camarena said they had nearly 100 total players.
Camarena also aids Keizer’s youth programs. As the executive director of the Mid Valley Soccer Club, he cultivates relations between the youth and his high school team, resulting in McNary pride.
Camarena said that their success will only continue. His goal next season is conquering the Central Valley Conference for a fourth time.
“We have a good group of guys coming back,” he said, “and so we are excited to have the opportunity to go for it.”
Jay Flores, a McNary senior, was key to the team’s success last season. Along with two other McNary athletes, Flores was named “Athlete of the Year,” for boys soccer.
“We found the position for him,” Camarena said. “He scored 33 goals…he broke the McNary record for goals in one season.”
Flores was the leading district scorer.
Derek Olivo, a McNary sophomore, received the field athlete of the year for his first-place finish in javelin and second-place finish in discus at state.
Isabelle Faulkner, a McNary senior, accepted the girls golf athlete of the year. She was recognized for her first-place district finish and qualification for the state tournament.
The club nominated four other Celts: senior Kaelynn King, girls soccer; sophomore Marlina Martinez, girls wrestling; senior Vince Estrada, boys cross country; and junior Josalyn Netzel, softball.
News tip? Contact reporter Riley Ellis: [email protected].
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DIGITAL NEWS SERVICE: Get around-the-clock access to news about Keizer with a digital subscription to the Keizertimes. It’s secure, is available at $10 a month, and takes just a moment when you go HERE. Your support for local journalism is vital.
