|
|
|
|
|
Midlakes Sports
by Ginny Konz
|
The Midlakes annual Sports and Activity Awards Night was last Wednesday, June 8, at 7pm in the high school auditorium. Again this year I noticed that many of those who won academic awards, everything from scholarships to honor roll pins, were also receiving athletic letters. Even Lyle Dixon, Athletic Director, mentioned it. It seems to prove what my husband always says - "There is a high correlation between athletic ability and intelligence."
To add to that idea, this year there were eight scholar-athlete teams, up from 2 last year. These teams have composite academic averages of 90 or better: boys' soccer, girls' soccer, girls' volleyball, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, girls' lacrosse, boys' track, and girls' track. Moreover, there were three students who had perfect attendance for three years, all athletes: Morgan Hoven, Katie Litts, and Tim Piper. Three of the four students with four years of perfect attendance were also athletes: Ashley Dodge, Ben Cobbett, and Sheila Niles.
Zack Brooks is this year's recipient of the Steven Jones Memorial Football Scholarship. A three year starter on the varsity team, he exhibits the enthusiasm, involvement in all parts of the game, self-growth, maturity, and development of self-confidence that are the criteria.
In boys' soccer the athlete displaying the leadership and commitment to the sport and team that makes the difference is awarded the Pele Award. This year's recipient is Travis Buttaccio, who was named 1st team all league, not just because he's a talented athlete but also because he played his heart out in every game, and that attitude and effort picked up others.
The girls' soccer award is called the Heart Award and is awarded to the same type of individual as the boys' award. This year's winner is Meghan Clicquennoi. Meghan was all- league last year, but this year was hampered by injuries that might have been season- enders for someone with less determination, but she gutted it out.
The girls play tennis in the fall, and Coach Hicks mentioned our team was featured in a Daily Messenger article because of their teamwork and positive attitude. This year's MVP was Megdlin Clay-Reagan, named to the 1st team all league for the past two years and the most consistent winner, playing 1st singles. Megan Linehan received the Sportsmanship Award for her character and heart. Two girls received the Coach's Award: Hillary Barnard and Katie Green. A new award, perhaps only for this year because of the situation, was the Outstanding Doubles Team Award. Michelle Hilburn and Lindsay Kataskas have been a team for four years and developed a great chemistry which led to a great deal of success.
The volleyball teams also play in the fall. This year's boys' team captured the league title and also received the sportsmanship award form the league's referees. The awards for this sport are named in memory of Jason Owens, a volleyball player who collapsed in school and died soon afterward, leaving the entire school in shock. This year Chris Scherbyn was the pick from the boys' team as the one who most closely epitomized Jason's indomitable spirit and enthusiasm, and for the second year, Becky Rouland was the winner from the girl's team.
The golf team also captured the league championship, due in large part to strong senior leadership, suggested Coach Ciciarelli. His choice for MVP was another dual one; seniors Andrew Flood and Ben Cobbett set the standard and pulled everyone along. Of the 15 best season averages in the league, Midlakes players were 5 of those. Of the 8 on the 1st team all-league, 5 were Midlakes players; 2 were on the 2nd team. We sent our top 5 to the state qualifying match last month, but sadly enough no one qualified for the state tournament. Following a tradition of giving Clifton Springs Country Club vests to players new on the team, this year vests were given to Andrew DeMarco, Kurt Parker, and Brendan Sullivan.
Ashley Barber is this year's recipient of the Ray of Light Award, given in memory of Heather Allen, who seemed to those who knew her like sunshine on a cloudy day. She was a former Midlakes cheerleader who came back to coach the sport for a few years before succumbing to cancer. The criteria for this award include determination, cheerfulness, spontaneity, and scholarship.
Ashley is also the recipient of the cheerleading Hardwood Club Award. The basketball boosters give plaques to an athlete from each of the varsity teams in their domain, based on the athlete's positive attitude, effect on the team, leadership and academics. Sarah Sweeney was chosen from the girls' team, Kevin Lowry from the boys'.
Coach Benedict made his persistent plea for greater participation in the cross country program, pointing out that their losing season was in part due to lack of numbers. He then gave out two awards. The MVR (most valuable runner) goes to the runner who, in the opinion of the other team members, is dedicated to the sport and who demonstrates leadership by imparting enthusiasm to fellow team members, and models the tenacity that makes a runner. His teammates chose Morgan Hoven, who is always incredibly focused and intent on the task. The most improved runner for the season was Cullen Johnston
Next week: more awards, focusing especially on the spring sports.
|
|
|
Click On Banner For More Information
|
