Prep athletics: Johnson, Ruter win Lions awards

Willmar High School athletes Leah Ruter and Vaughn Johnson were named winners of the 2015 Lions Award and Cardinal Coaches Scholarships at last week’s Senior Athletics Awards Program.
Ruter won 11 varsity letters competing in volleyball, basketball and softball. She joins Amelia Amon, Carly Derouin and Sydney Fischer as winners of the school’s 3X4 Award, given to athletes who compete in multiple sports all four years of high school.
Ruter was a team captain and MVP in volleyball, and she also was named a team captain in basketball and softball.
Johnson earned six letters in football and wrestling. He earned state tournament berths in wrestling and was a two-time All-Central Lakes Conference selection and team MVP in football.
Ruter and Johnson will receive $500 scholarships sponsored by the Willmar High School coaches.
Other Cardinals award winners are:
Boys True Grit Award - Michael Heitzman, winner of seven letters in football and track and field.
Girls True Grit Award - Shelby Schneider, winner of 14 letters in hockey, track and soccer.
Boys Dean Anderson Memorial Scholarship - Austin Grove, winner of eight letters in football, basketball and tennis.
Girls Dean Anderson Memorial Scholarship - Amelia Amon, winner of nine letters in tennis, hockey and softball.
Boys Jim Helin Award - Austin Smith, winner of six letters in hockey and baseball.
Girls Jim Helin Award - Sam Hanson, winner of nine letters in cross country, track and field, and Nordic skiing.
Boys Lane Erickson Memorial Scholarship - Travis Deegan, winner of seven letters in football and wrestling.
Girls Lane Erickson Memorial Scholarship - Allie Roehl, winner of nine letters in basketball, softball and volleyball.
Triple “A” Award winners: Jon Linden and Amelia Amon.