Students from Jesuit, Sumner, and Gaither high schools honored for their athleticism, academics, and community achievements
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners presented the[ Board's prestigious 2026 Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award during its Wednesday, June 3, meeting. Established in 2005 and named in honor of the National Baseball Hall of Famer, the award recognizes student athletes who have demonstrated drive, determination, and leadership in their sport and their daily lives.
The 2026 recipient of the award is Wilson Andersen from Jesuit High School. The first Jesuit player to spend his entire career on Varsity in 12 years, Andersen has been a valuable member of teams that earned four straight trips to the State Final Four, including winning the 2024 State Championship. The past season, Andersen helped lead his team to the 2026 State 4A title with a dominating performance on the pitcher's mound. Andersen graduated with honors with a 3.6 GPA and has proven himself as an all-star in the community, volunteering over 200 hours in community service while at Jesuit. Andersen plans to go to Mississippi State University.
Winston Pennant from Sumner High School and Mathew Altman from Gaither High School received Honorable Mentions.
A four-year varsity letterman who plays center and right field, Pennant served as a team captain the past two seasons and is Sumner's all-time career home run leader with 13, as well as the single-season record-holder. He graduated with a 4.2 GPA and will continue his academic and baseball career at Ole Miss.
A pitcher for Gaither, Altman went 13 and 0 this past season. He additionally had a 0.44 earned run average, and struck out 83 batters in 79 innings. According to MaxPreps, Mathew's 13-0 record ranked No. 1, both in the nation and in Florida. Altman, who was dually enrolled at Hillsborough College, plans to continue his baseball and academic career at Florida A&M University.
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners presents the annual Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award to a Hillsborough County high school baseball player or team who has made significant contributions in athletics, academics, and community service. For more information, visit the Wade Boggs Athletic Achievement Award page.
Interested in all the details about the latest BOCC meeting? Here is a full recap.
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