Peterson named Most Valuable Teammate

By Teresa Simpson

Gazette Reporter

Colfax - Bulldogs baseball player J.D. Peterson was awarded the Most Valuable Teammate by his coaches.

The MVT award was made in honor and named after former local player Tyler Morse, who passed away in 2012 to cancer three years after graduating high school.

"It is the only award we give out," Colfax baseball Coach Scott Parrish said.

The Most Valuable Teammate tradition was started by J.R. Robinson of Colfax, and Morse's mother, Kimberly Morse.

"It has to do with having a good attitude, and just being an overall good teammate to the team," said Peterson's mother Tammy Peterson.

When asked what the award is given for, Robinson explained the criteria to get the award:

"Respect for the opposing team, teammates and the coaches. And respect for the game itself."

He explained that his son, a friend of Morse, inspired him to create the award by saying, "You always told us the most valuable teammate contributes more than the most valuable player."

"It's not about a popularity contest," said Robinson, explaining that it's about a teammate that "lifts the other players up with their actions on and off the field and that was certainly Tyler."

The plaque is displayed in a trophy case at Colfax High School. It sport the words, "You're a good Teammate."

"It's pretty emotional for a lot of us who knew the young man. He was like a big brother to all those kids," Robinson said.

"The credit certainly goes to J.D. and the coach and staff for keeping Tyler's memory alive."

Robinson commends the coaches on their selections, and for explaining what the award means to the players, stating that "the kids who have been selected have been extremely worthy. J.D. Peterson must be one fantastic young man."