BY DANIEL SCHMIDT | THE OBSERVER
SPONSORED BY THE ORTHOPAEDIC CLINIC
First Team
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03:53:05","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/featured\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Featured<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/politics\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Politics<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":20},"status":"publish","content":"Owner closes store ahead of decision BY MICHELLE KEYPUBLISHER OPELIKA \u2014 The Opelika City Council adopted the city\u2019s fiscal year 2027 budget and revoked the"},{"id":"113041","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/southern-christian-wins-shootout-at-baker-county\/","name":"southern-christian-wins-shootout-at-baker-county","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/southern-christian-3.jpeg","alt":""},"title":"Southern Christian wins shootout at Baker County","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:32:07","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 16:32:16","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:32:16","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":27},"status":"publish","content":"BY JEFF MILLERFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA \u2014 Southern Christian Athletics remained undefeated, traveling to Georgia and defeating Baker County High School 66-46 in an offensive"},{"id":"113038","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/opelika-outlasts-lee-scott-in-five-set-thriller\/","name":"opelika-outlasts-lee-scott-in-five-set-thriller","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Photo-Aug-31-2026-7-59-25-PM-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Opelika outlasts Lee-Scott in five-set thriller","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:29:22","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 16:29:30","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:29:30","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":33},"status":"publish","content":"BY DANIEL SCHMIDTTHE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 Opelika High School won a thrilling shootout over Lee-Scott Academy on Aug. 31, winning 3-2 at Samford Gymnasium.The Lady"},{"id":"113027","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/activation-of-statewide-notification-system-announced\/","name":"activation-of-statewide-notification-system-announced","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/governor-ivey-2019-headshot_750xx3157-4209-49-0.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Activation of statewide notification system announced","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:33:49","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 16:33:16","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:33:16","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":19},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF GOV. KAY IVEY ALABAMA \u2014 Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday, Aug. 25, announced the activation of a statewide notification system"},{"id":"113025","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/eamc-lanier-opens-observation-beds-to-expand-patient-care\/","name":"eamc-lanier-opens-observation-beds-to-expand-patient-care","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_3362-2048x1150-1.jpg","alt":""},"title":"EAMC-Lanier opens observation beds to expand patient care","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:31:48","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 11:03:19","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 16:03:19","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":3},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THEOBSERVER BY GATOR KINCAID EAST ALABAMA \u2014 EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital celebrated the opening of new observation beds Tuesday, Aug. 25 with a"},{"id":"113023","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/eamc-earns-robotic-surgery-reaccreditation\/","name":"eamc-earns-robotic-surgery-reaccreditation","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Dr_Obiekwe-copy.jpg","alt":""},"title":"EAMC earns robotic surgery reaccreditation","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:30:45","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 10:59:36","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 15:59:36","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":27},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY EAH OPELIKA \u2014 East Alabama Medical Center has earned reaccreditation as a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence from the Surgical Review Corporation and"},{"id":"113021","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/joel-martin-awarded-conservation-educator-of-the-year\/","name":"joel-martin-awarded-conservation-educator-of-the-year","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JOEL.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Joel Martin awarded Conservation Educator of the Year","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:27:46","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 11:05:32","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 16:05:32","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":31},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY\u00a0 AWF ALABAMA -\u2014 Joel Martin was presented the Conservation Educator of the Year Award at the 2026 Alabama Wildlife Federation Governor\u2019s Conservation Achievement"},{"id":"113019","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/womens-hope-medical-clinic-to-host-annual-walk-for-life-5k-2\/","name":"womens-hope-medical-clinic-to-host-annual-walk-for-life-5k-2","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"Women\u2019s Hope Medical Clinic to host annual Walk For Life, 5K","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:26:50","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 09:26:58","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:26:58","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":28},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY WOMEN\u2019S HOPE OPELIKA \u2014 Women\u2019s Hope Medical Clinic will host its annual Walk for Life & 5K onSaturday, Oct. 10, at the Opelika"},{"id":"113014","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/auburn-startup-move-store-makes-inc-5000\/","name":"auburn-startup-move-store-makes-inc-5000","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"Auburn startup Move & Store makes Inc. 5000\u00a0","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:23:49","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 09:23:57","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:23:57","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":56},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 Move & Store, a moving and storage company whose founders began the business while attending Auburn University, has been"},{"id":"113012","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/max-continues-five-year-workplace-winning-streak\/","name":"max-continues-five-year-workplace-winning-streak","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Auburn-Location.jpg","alt":""},"title":"MAX continues five-year workplace winning streak","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:20:53","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 16:34:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:34:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":28},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY MAX CREDIT UNION AUBURN \u2014 MAX Credit Union was recently named one of American Banker\u2019s 2026 Best Credit Unions to Work For, marking"},{"id":"113006","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/31\/aco-presents-fall-concert-space-the-final-frontier\/","name":"aco-presents-fall-concert-space-the-final-frontier","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/unnamed-4.png","alt":""},"title":"ACO presents Fall Concert: Space \u2013 The Final Frontier","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 31, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 03:28:54","modifiedDate":"2026-08-31 22:29:04","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 03:29:04","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":54},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN AUBURN \u2014 The Auburn Community Orchestra will be performing their Fall Concert: Space \u2013 The Final Frontier, presented by the"}]
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Southern Christian Athletics remained undefeated, traveling to Georgia and defeating Baker County High School 66-46 in an offensive"},{"id":"113038","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/opelika-outlasts-lee-scott-in-five-set-thriller\/","name":"opelika-outlasts-lee-scott-in-five-set-thriller","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Photo-Aug-31-2026-7-59-25-PM-scaled.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Opelika outlasts Lee-Scott in five-set thriller","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:29:22","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 16:29:30","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:29:30","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Sports<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/sports\/\" rel=\"category 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KAY IVEY ALABAMA \u2014 Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday, Aug. 25, announced the activation of a statewide notification system"},{"id":"113025","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/eamc-lanier-opens-observation-beds-to-expand-patient-care\/","name":"eamc-lanier-opens-observation-beds-to-expand-patient-care","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/IMG_3362-2048x1150-1.jpg","alt":""},"title":"EAMC-Lanier opens observation beds to expand patient care","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:31:48","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 11:03:19","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 16:03:19","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category 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tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":27},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY EAH OPELIKA \u2014 East Alabama Medical Center has earned reaccreditation as a Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence from the Surgical Review Corporation and"},{"id":"113021","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/joel-martin-awarded-conservation-educator-of-the-year\/","name":"joel-martin-awarded-conservation-educator-of-the-year","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/JOEL.jpg","alt":""},"title":"Joel Martin awarded Conservation Educator of the Year","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:27:46","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 11:05:32","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 16:05:32","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/education\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Education<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":31},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY\u00a0 AWF ALABAMA -\u2014 Joel Martin was presented the Conservation Educator of the Year Award at the 2026 Alabama Wildlife Federation Governor\u2019s Conservation Achievement"},{"id":"113019","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/womens-hope-medical-clinic-to-host-annual-walk-for-life-5k-2\/","name":"womens-hope-medical-clinic-to-host-annual-walk-for-life-5k-2","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"Women\u2019s Hope Medical Clinic to host annual Walk For Life, 5K","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:26:50","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 09:26:58","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:26:58","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":28},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY WOMEN\u2019S HOPE OPELIKA \u2014 Women\u2019s Hope Medical Clinic will host its annual Walk for Life & 5K onSaturday, Oct. 10, at the Opelika"},{"id":"113014","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/auburn-startup-move-store-makes-inc-5000\/","name":"auburn-startup-move-store-makes-inc-5000","thumbnail":{"url":false,"alt":false},"title":"Auburn startup Move & Store makes Inc. 5000\u00a0","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:23:49","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 09:23:57","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:23:57","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":56},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER AUBURN \u2014 Move & Store, a moving and storage company whose founders began the business while attending Auburn University, has been"},{"id":"113012","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/09\/01\/max-continues-five-year-workplace-winning-streak\/","name":"max-continues-five-year-workplace-winning-streak","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Auburn-Location.jpg","alt":""},"title":"MAX continues five-year workplace winning streak","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Sep 1, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 14:20:53","modifiedDate":"2026-09-01 16:34:23","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 21:34:23","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/community\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Community<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":28},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY MAX CREDIT UNION AUBURN \u2014 MAX Credit Union was recently named one of American Banker\u2019s 2026 Best Credit Unions to Work For, marking"},{"id":"113006","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/2026\/08\/31\/aco-presents-fall-concert-space-the-final-frontier\/","name":"aco-presents-fall-concert-space-the-final-frontier","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/unnamed-4.png","alt":""},"title":"ACO presents Fall Concert: Space \u2013 The Final Frontier","author":{"name":"The Observer Staff","link":"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/author\/opelikaobserver\/"},"date":"Aug 31, 2026","dateGMT":"2026-09-01 03:28:54","modifiedDate":"2026-08-31 22:29:04","modifiedDateGMT":"2026-09-01 03:29:04","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/calendar\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Calendar (Upcoming Events)<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/opelikaobserver.com\/category\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":""},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":54},"status":"publish","content":"CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN AUBURN \u2014 The Auburn Community Orchestra will be performing their Fall Concert: Space \u2013 The Final Frontier, presented by the"}]
Second Team
THIRD TEAM
Honorable Mentions
Individual Awards
