Gardner, Lockhart win Kelly Bradham Newcomer Award

Nevada High School freshman Patience Lockhart and sophomore Zach Gardner with their Kelly Bradham Newcomer awards presented Tuesday afternoon at NHS. (Photo by Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail)

Nevada High School sophomore Zach Gardner and freshman Patience Lockhart were named as the 2015-16 male and female recipients of the Kelly Bradham Newcomer Award, with the presentation taking place Tuesday at the Nevada High School Media Center.

Created in November of 2001, the Kelly Bradham Newcomer Award is presented to the athlete who has made the most significant contribution as a first-time letter-winner of any varsity athletic team at Nevada High School for the current school year. The award is dedicated to the memory of longtime Nevada Daily Mail Sports Editor Kelly Bradham, who died in 2008.

"Anything that has Kelly Bradham's name associated with it is a big deal," NHS Athletic Director John McNeley said during the presentation ceremony. "Kelly went beyond reporting, he lived it with his love for Nevada High school sports."

Zach Gardner, with his mother. (Photo by Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail)

Sophomore Zach Gardner

Gardner, a two-sport standout, won the Bradham Award for his contributions on the gridiron as a two-way starter, playing fullback and linebacker. Gardner was also a key member of the Tigers basketball team this past season.

"Zach is a young man that has worked very hard, and not just in football," Nevada head football coach Erik Yoakam said. "His work ethic is fantastic, and he continues to get better at everything he does. He has high expectations for himself and will do great things."

Nevada High School freshman Patience Lockhart wither parents. (Photo by Ralph Pokorny/Daily Mail)

McNeley said Gardner has displayed great maturity as he has evolved as an athlete and teammate.

"I try to push everyone around me to go as hard as they can in practice and on the field," Gardner said. "I didn't know Kelly, but this award is really cool and means a lot to me."

Gardner added that his favorite professional teams are the Kansas City Royals, K.C. Chiefs ---- and that he is currently hooked on Oklahoma City Thunder basketball.

Freshman Patience Lockhart

Lockhart, who has excelled in both cross country and track, qualified for the 2015 Missouri Class 3 State cross country meet held in Jefferson City in November. Lockhart, who was joined by teammates Amara Pippin and Virginia Haverstic, registered a time of 21.35 in the 5,000 meter run.

"Whatever workout I give her, she gives 100 percent effort every time," veteran NHS cross country and track coach Robert Watts said. "Her teammates look to her to set the pace of workouts,"

Lockhart said it's an honor to have received the Bradham Award.

"It feels really special to be noticed," she said.