Nate Anderson and Jenna Guse are the recipients of the Judson Erne Awards as Columbus East’s top senior male and female athletes.
Ted Schultz | The Republic
Nate Anderson and Jenna Guse have been playing multiple sports since they were kids, and they continued that at Columbus East.
Wednesday afternoon, the seniors were recognized for their efforts over the past four years at the Columbus East High School Awards Program. They are the recipients of the Judson S. Erne Award, which honors a senior male and female multisport athlete who also excelled in academics and citizenship.
“It’s surreal,” Anderson said. “I didn’t know I was going to get anything. I’ve been here for four years, and every year, I’ve done something, so it’s good to be acknowledged.”
Guse, on the other hand, knew all about the award after her brother, Jacob, was last year’s male winner.
“I was proud of my brother for winning, and I was hoping that I’d get it,” Jenna Guse said. “It’s definitely nice to see our work recognized and be a leader for younger kids and know that if they work in the classroom and on the court or field, it’s really nice to see it pay off.”
Columbus East’s Jenna Guse puts up a shot over the outstretched arm of Whiteland’s Sophia Dyer during the sectional semifinals Feb. 2 at Whiteland High School.
The Republic file photo
Guse was a three-sport athlete, playing volleyball and basketball and competing in track and field all four years.
“I started out doing track just to stay in shape for basketball, and then volleyball because I liked the coaches,” Guse said. “I just ended up loving them all and did them all four years because of the love for the game.”
As a freshman and sophomore, Guse was part of Hoosier Hills Conference champion volleyball and basketball teams. She also has been among the Olympians’ top high jumpers and 400-meter runners through an injury-plagued track career.
“(Winning HHC volleyball and basketball titles) definitely changed the culture at East,” Guse said. “It was fun, and it’s family, so it’s awesome.”
Guse will attend University of Indianapolis to major in exercise science and pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. Anderson is headed to Valparaiso to major in civil engineering.
Columbus East’s Nate Anderson wins the 150-pound title during the wrestling sectional Jan. 27 at Jennings County High School.
The Republic file photo
Anderson was a two-sport athlete, playing football and wrestling. He was a starting safety in football.
“I loved it,” Anderson said. “I’ve always looked up to the sports here at East, and I’ve always wanted to be seen with the jersey on and the singlet on. It was a great experience. I got to make good ties with friends and coaches that I wouldn’t be able to without it.”
In wrestling, Anderson was a four-time semistate qualifier. He also was a sectional and regional champion at 150 pounds this year.
“It was real fun,” Anderson said. “Our coaches support us through everything. It just shows how we have a really good program here at East, and it’s real fun to be a part of.”
