South Haven News

By Claire Minor

On Sep. 5, 2025, there was a football game against the Pleasanton Blue Jays. Even though the Outlaws won, the results of the game aren’t the only thing to be celebrated. Sep. 5, 2025, was also senior night for the Outlaws!

For those who don’t know, Senior Night is a chance for seniors involved in athletics to have their academic, athletic, and personal achievements recognized, mainly focusing on their goals and plans for the future. The seniors mentioned this year were Coal VanZant, Annabelle Burden, Addison Heater, and Ashton Mason. 

About our Outlaw Seniors:

Coal VanZant: Coal VanZant is the son of Garrett and Tally VanZant. VanZant has been playing football for six years. His favorite memory during football is having fun with his teammates out on the field during practice and the Friday night games. VanZant’s plans for next year are to go into Farm & Ranch Management at either Fort Scott or NOC.

VanZant’s favorite advice/quote from his coach was “Don’t take all the little steps because that will not get you very far. Because every whistle blown, every dropped pass, every missed assignment, or missed block, you can’t get those things back because you took those small steps and you don’t get those back when it is over. You have to get the next play or the next ball.” VanZant’s advice to his teammates is to have fun playing the game because next thing you know, it’s over and you can’t get it back.

VanZant would like to thank his parents for helping him out with everything through school and getting ready before games to make sure that he has everything. When asked what his favorite Bath & Body Works scent was, VanZant said, “Blinker fluid.” 

Addison Heater: Addison Heater is the daughter of Mike and Rheann Heater. Heater has been doing cross country for three years. Heater’s favorite memory during cross country was running with Carlee after volleyball practice or state last year when it was super muddy and they were all sliding everywhere.

Heater’s plans for next year are to “Go to college, hopefully.” Heater’s favorite advice/quote from her coach was “Just don’t throw up,” from Coach Jonathan Pettyjohn. Heater’s advice to her teammates is that it never gets easier but just keep working hard and be confident in yourself.

Heater would like to thank her parents for showing up for her even though her mom kind of forced her to run. She would also like to thank her coaches, especially Pettyjohn for always being supportive and encouraging. When asked what her favorite Bath & Body Works scent was, Heater said “Strawberry Pound Cake”.

Annabelle Burden: Annabelle Burden is the daughter of Chris and Conita Burden. Burden has been doing cheer for four years and cross country for three. Burden’s favorite memory during cheer was all of the drives to the games where they would all just sing the whole way there. Her favorite memory during cross country was going to state where one year was freezing cold and the next was pouring rain, leading to her slipping the entire race. Also the team meal that they had at Coach Joe Halling’s house where they chased each other around while having a Nerf fight and eating all of their candy from their candy bowl. Burden isn’t sure what she wants to do next year, but she thinks that she wants to work with athletes in some way.

Burden’s favorite advice/quote from her coach is “Run fast, don’t die,” from Pettyjohn. Burden’s advice to her teammates is that it’s not always going to be easy so keep your head up and try your best and keep going.

Burden would like to thank her parents for always supporting her and trying their best to come to every event that she has. When asked what her favorite Bath & Body Works scent was, Burden said “Usually anything vanilla or A Thousand Wishes”.

Ashton Mason: Ashton Mason is the son of Crystal and Brant Schmidt. Mason has been playing football for three years. Mason’s favorite memory during football was team dinners. Mason’s plans for next year are to find a college that fits his educational needs.

Mason’s favorite advice/quote from his coach was “Don’t be an average person.” Mason’s advice to his teammates is to give 100% to every rep. Mason would like to thank coach Blosser for always pushing him to always better himself and not allowing him to be complacent.

When asked what his favorite Bath & Body Works scent was, Mason said “Natural Musk”.

Senior Night is such a respectable high school tradition that is beneficial to all those who watch and participate. It is amazing to see that we get the opportunity to celebrate the dedication of our senior athletes here at South Haven Schools!

REMINDER: If you would like to stay up-to-date with the events that South Haven Schools are involved with, check out USD509 South Haven on Facebook/Instagram or https://www.usd509.org/!