Brendel, Richardson Named SHS Athletes Of The Year

Senior Colton Brendel and junior Dorie Richardson were named Sullivan High School’s 2023-24 Athletes of the Year. Both triathletes have solidified themselves as Eagle legends this past season and in their careers.

Colton Brendel

Brendel was a juggernaut on the football field in the fall, dominating as a first-team all-area and all-conference linebacker. He was also unstoppable as a tight end, racking up 330 receiving yards with four touchdowns and a two-point conversion. 

In wrestling, Brendel medaled at 3rd in the Class 2 State Tournament, finished 2nd in District 1 and was a conference champion in the 165 class. He also eclipsed 100 career wins for his final season on the mat. Brendel was also honored with the High School Scholar All-American Award by the National Wrestling Coaches Association and the United States Marine Corps. 

During the spring, the triathlete was on the conference-winning boys track and field team. He helped the Eagles win their first Four Rivers title since 1971. Brendel reached the state sectionals in the pole vault and 4x400-meter relay. He also competed in the 300-meter hurdles, as well as the triple and high jumps.

After high school, Brendel has no plans of slowing down and will continue his track and field career at Southwest Baptist University. He will compete in the Decathlon, a track contest with ten events over two days.

Along with being named Athlete of the Year, Brendel recently received the 2023-24 National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Award of Excellence with Luan Nguyen. 

Dorie Richardson

Richardson has won the Female Athlete of the Year award for two consecutive years, going the extra mile in everything she has competed in.

She began her junior year on the softball field at shortstop, filling in the shoes of the recently graduated Kayla Ulrich. Despite being in uncharted territory, Richardson rose to the challenge, leading the infield to shut down high-powered offenses. She had a fielding percentage of .950 with 113 outs, 73 putouts and a team-high 40 assists. She swung a .402 at-bat, tying for the second-highest batting average on the Lady Eagles. Richardson also tallied 28 runs, 28 RBIs, 35 hits, 13 walks and two home runs. 

Richardson made history by becoming the first girl wrestler in Sullivan High School history to win a state championship. She blazed through the Class 1 competition and emerged as the top fighter in the 140 class. She also finished 2nd in the District 1 tournament and was the conference champion. 

In the spring, Richardson was a crucial defender feared by every opponent on the soccer field. She always found a way to take back possession by tussling the other team for the ball.