By Staff
Staff Reports, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle High senior Patrick Whatley has been selected as the Athlete of the Year for the tri-county area by Huntsville Hospital and television station WHNT-19.
Whatley, who was a member of the Tiger football and soccer teams, was selected for his athletic prowess in addition to his academic performance and volunteer service in his community.
Whatley, who lettered for four years in soccer and two years in football, maintained a 4.04 GPA in the classroom in addition to being active in many school activities.
Whatley was a member of the Key Club, Physics Club, Latin Club and held several different offices in the Student Government Association. This year he received the US Academy National English Award.
In the volunteer field, he earned the Presidential Gold Award each of the past three years for spending more than 100 hours each year in community service activities.
On the field he helped the Tiger soccer team reach the second round of the state playoffs for the first time this season. On the football field, he connected on 70-of-75 extra points during his career.
Whatley missed the final four games of the 2004 football season due to a knee injury.
The award selection committee is made up of members of the Huntsville Hospital Therapy and Sports Center, The Orthopedic Sports Center and staff members at News channel 19.
All high school athletics from Morgan, Madison and Limestone counties are eligible for nomination. Athlete of the Week and Athlete of the Month awards are given during the school year preceding the Athlete of the Year presentation.