An outstanding receiver on the Cate football team, Will Deardorff was called upon to play quarterback after the starter went down with an injury.
Deardorff stepped up to the call and helped the Rams advance to the quarterfinals of the CIF Division 1 8-man football playoffs.
Deardorff’s unselfishness and willingness to do what’s best for his team was rewarded Monday as he was named Cate’s recipient of the Phil Womble Ethics in Sports Award during the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.
“Being the type of kid he is, there’s no questions asked, no complaints,” Cate Athletic Director Wade Ransom said of Deardorff’s acceptance to changing positions. “It certainly wasn’t the best for him personally, but it allowed our team to move on and have quite a successful season that culminated in the CIF quarterfinals.
“Working with that type of kid certainly makes coaching more enjoyable and easier for our staff,” he added. “It’s a testament to his parents, Tom and Suzanne, who do an outstanding job with their children.”
Deardorff plays multiple positions in all the sports he plays at Cate. The junior is currently playing soccer, and in the spring he’ll play on the baseball team.
“He does whatever the team needs,” said Ransom. “Will certainly is the embodiment of the mantra: “Play hard and play fair. He is a throwback to a bygone era, when kids just played their hearts out for their coaches, their teammates and their school.
“I could not think of a better way to honor the legacy of Phil Womble than to have Will represent Cate for this award.”
— Noozhawk Sports Editor Barry Punzal can be reached at bpunzal@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.