Congratulations to our winter season athletes on their accomplishments and success this past winter season. Player profile information below has been provided by their coaches and was read at the awards banquet.
Boys Freshman Basketball
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Kristian Mayer
One of the problems with sports today is that athletes do not put enough effort into what they are doing. Many athletes would find dealing with adversity as too difficult or it would take too much work to overcome it. This is not true for this year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award player. This player gave everything he had in both practice and games. As some of his teammates maturity did not match up to his, he would continue to allow his hard work to be his voice. Hopefully in the years to come, his potential leadership skills will come out and emulate onto his teammates. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Kristian Mayer.
Most Improved Player – Fernand Gay
This year’s most improved player began as a starting forward and was expected by the entire coaching staff to have an immediate impact in games. Unfortunately, the game was at first overwhelming for him resulting in a significant loss of playing time. As soon as this player began to listen to his coaches advice, his abilities and confidence grew. We knew as a coaching staff that he was “the right man for the job” during certain situations. It is with great pleasure to present this year’s most improve player award to Fernand Gay.
Most Valuable Player – Dylan Willis
The most valuable player this year came as a nice surprise to the coaching staff. This player entered the gym with a competitive attitude and confidence that he was one of the best. He became our “go to” guy from the very beginning of the season, and was our most consistent scorer. Due to his value on the team, he was rarely substituted off the court. This year’s most valuable player goes to Dylan Willis.
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Austin Graham
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Austin Graham. Austin is a player who in the beginning of the year had a lot of basketball potential, but it was his job to bring that potential out. The way in which he did this was by being the player who always asked “why?” Whenever a play was drawn up or a drill was being set up, he was the player who would always ask questions on how he and the team could benefit the most from them. If he made a mistake on the court, he would not even wait for the coaching staff to let him know what he did wrong. He would seek the coaching staff out to fix the problem. This showed a true commitment to becoming the best individual and team player he could be.
Most Improved Player – Andrew Sluka
This year’s Most Improved Player Award goes to Andrew Sluka. In the beginning of the year Andrew had a hard time finding his role on the team. He continued to move down the bench until he decided to rededicate himself to the team. With hard work in practice and in games, he moved back into the starting lineup becoming our best defensive player and a key factor on the offensive side of the ball as well.
Most Valuable Player – Mike Geisweller
This year’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to Mike Geisweller. Mike is the type of player that every coach wishes they could have. He is a true game changer. He had the ability to take over a game and make the team around him better. Whether he is ready to shoot from almost any spot on the court or ready to drive to lane to take the ball to the basket, he is one of the more gifted offensive players I have had the opportunity to coach.
Boys Varsity Basketball
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Derrick Okunpolor
As a three year varsity player and senior co-captain of this year’s varsity basketball team, Derrick displayed outstanding leadership abilities both on and off the court. He averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds a game and was the top shot blocker on the team. His hard work and dedication helped the underclassmen understand how the game of basketball is played here at Kellenberg Memorial High School. Derrick was always a pleasure to be around and was an excellent role model for the varsity basketball team.
Most Improved Player – Stefon Bryan
Stefon Bryan went from limited playing time as junior to the starting center and important player on this year’s varsity basketball team. He averaged eight points and eight rebounds a game while being an imposing force in the middle of the team’s defense. Stefon worked hard in practice every day and showed improvement throughout the season.
Most Valuable Player – Michael Torre
As senior co-captain of this year’s varsity basketball team, Mike had an outstanding season. As a leading scorer in the CHSAA, Mike averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds per game while garnishing all league status. His outstanding performance against Lawrence High School, in which he scored 35 points, was the highest single game total in ten years at Kellenberg. Mike was a matchup nightmare for any opponent because of his excellent athletic abilities both offensively and defensively.
Girls Junior Varsity Basketball
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Alyssa Boll
Commitment can be something that doesn’t always come easy in a season with many ups and downs. But regardless of the highs and lows, the high commitment level of this player was shown day in and day out. She was always willing to stay after practice to work on the little things, even if it was just for 5 minutes. This young lady was up for playing whatever position the team needed her at. This year’s most committed player was one that not only the team but also the coaches saw a leader in from day one and she proved to be nothing less. The most committed award goes to captain, Alyssa Boll.
Most Improved Player – Madison Gale
This year’s most improved player award goes to a young lady who continually showed improvement from day one. The combination of potential and her coachable personality made her improvement almost second nature. When a spark of energy was needed in the game this young lady was always the one to provide it. This particular individual went from playing nervous, scared and timid to playing with confidence, desire and determination. This year’s most improved player is Madison Gale.
Most Valuable Player – Jessie Brower
The most valuable player on this year’s team was a force to be reckoned with. Other teams would be on a mission to get this young lady in foul trouble when she was on the court. She was always willing to do what was asked of her for the benefit of the team. The team and coaches put their trust in her to help get us to the championship game. She pushed herself to her full potential and always encouraged her team to do the same. This year’s most valuable player goes to a more than deserving captain, Jessie Brower.
Girls Varsity Basketball
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Christina Candemeres
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award recipient goes to someone who has been a constant within the Girls Program for the last four years. Her skill, passion for the game and personality was a perfect complement to this year’s team all season. It was always a pleasure to watch her play the game she loves and for that reason was a delight to coach that past four seasons. She will be truly missed next year and know that any program will be lucky to have you playing basketball for them next year. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment award goes to senior, Christina Candemeres.
Most Improved Player – Erin Sullivan
This year’s Most Improved Player goes to an individual that had a very limited role on the team as a junior. Taking on the approach of “actions speaking louder than words” this individual worked hard in the offseason to improve her game but more impressively worked harder during the season to fine tune her craft. Whether she knows it or not, this individual was looked up to by many and her passion for the game rubbed off on many her teammates. The team would not be where it is today if it wasn’t for her. This year’s Most Improved Player is senior, Erin Sullivan.
Most Valuable Player – Lindsey Ehrhardt
This year’s Most Valuable Player goes to a individual who will go down as one of the best athletes I have had the pleasure of coaching. Statistically, she led the team in scoring, assists and steals however her “value “to this year’s team cannot be measured by just stats. This individual was tasked with playing multiple offensive positions as well as being asked to guard every team’s best player. As a senior captain, this individual became the heart and soul of this year’s team. Whether it was encouraging other players in practice or drawing up plays during timeouts, this young lady has helped to create a winning mentality within the Girls Basketball program. It has been a privilege and honor to coach her for the last four years and wish her nothing but the best of luck as she goes on to play Division I lacrosse at Loyola University next year. This year’s Most Valuable Player goes to senior, Lindsey Ehrhardt.
Boys Varsity Bowling
Most Improved – Alex Cruz
This most improved player goes to a young man that has been on the team for two years and has drastically improved. He has earned himself a starting spot on the A team. This year this young man bowled a high game of 278. He has been anchoring the A team for this entire season and has done an amazing job. He is always calm and focused when he bowls and the team is looking forward to his future in this program. Alex Cruz is this year’s most improved bowler.
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Dylan Sandas
Each player on this team showed their commitment especially during playoff week when the games kept getting changed due to the weather. The young man that will be receiving the Bernie Ward Commitment Award has been part of this team since he was a freshman. He has risen to a leadership position of captain this year and led his team to the semifinals. This young man is always the first person to get to a match or practice and is always ready to get the team pumped up for a game. He is constantly cheering his teammates on and making sure they are hitting their shots. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to senior captain Dylan Sandas.
Most Valuable Player – Cole Uganiza
The most valuable player award goes to the young man on this team that held the highest average for the year of 188. He earned himself a spot in the individual championships as well as a starting role on the A team. He was someone the team can rely on in close matches to hit strikes. He was always calm during his matches and always had his teammates and family cheering him on. This young man was also a captain for the team and helped the team on their winning streak in the second half of the season. This year’s most valuable player is Cole Uganiza.
Girls Varsity Bowling
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Vicky Loucks
Each girl on this team shows what it truly means to have commitment. They showed the coaches what it means to be a part of the team. The young lady that will be receiving this award has been committed to this team since her freshman year. She has worked her way up to start on the A team and has a strong 155 average. Her commitment shows best when she is helping other players hit their shots or fixing her bowling ball so it doesn’t slip or get stuck. She is the coaches go to player and we are very happy to have her on the team for one more year. The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Vicky Loucks.
Most Improved Player – Danielle Lodato
Every member of the girls’ varsity bowling team has improved tremendously since the beginning of the season. However, there was one young lady on this team that continued to improve day after day. She started the season on the B team doing well but she started to hit her stride when we moved her to the A team. Her competitive drive started to show and she began to hit her spares. This was the second year on the team for this young lady and looking at how far she has come from last year is a huge improvement. The most improved player ended the season with a 120 average and earned a spot in the individual championships. The most improved player is Danielle Lodato.
Most Valuable Player – Laura Ingenito
The most valuable player on the girls bowling team was someone who was always so calm during games no matter how close the scores were. She was always rooting on her teammates during the games and always had a smile on her face. She anchored the A team and was someone we could always count on to get a few strikes. She never let the pressure of anchoring the team show and she led her teammates to the championship match. This young lady started with the team last year but has only improved as the matches went on. This bowler ended the season with a 153 average and also landed herself a spot in the individual championship. The Most Valuable Player is Laura Ingenito.
Girls Freshman Cheerleading
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Maggie Guerriere
Since her first day on the team, Maggie Guerriere has shown 100% dedication to cheerleading. Although one of the smallest members on our team, she proved that she would also be one of the strongest bases and help bring her team to the next level. Her positive attitude and drive for perfection helped motivate others around her to work harder. Her commitment towards her teammates, coaches and the sport showed each and every practice. Whether it was keeping her flyer up in a stunt or learning a new tumbling pass, Maggie demonstrated what being a vital member of this team meant and how important Kellenberg cheerleading is to her. This seasons Bernie Ward Commitment award goes to Maggie Guerriere.
Most Improved Player – Amanda Destler
Amanda Destler has grown tremendously since the first day of her cheerleading career. Being a base in Latin school, she rose to the occasion when her coaches let her know that she would be a flyer this year. Amanda has proven to be one of the best flyers on the team by mastering any skill asked of her and doing so confidently and with a smile. She pushed herself throughout the season to get her back handspring and surprised her coaches when she volunteered to add an extra skill to the routine to help her team at championships. Amanda’s work ethic and drive have helped her become an extraordinarily talented cheerleader. This seasons Most Improved player is Amanda Destler.
Most Valuable Player – Daniella Salant
Daniella Salant truly represents what it means to be a Kellenberg cheerleader. Throughout the season the coaches could always count on her to have a positive attitude and an open mind to anything put her way. She never once complained that something was too difficult or scary for her. Earlier in the season when she suffered an injury to her elbow, her first question to the coaches was “How soon can I go back in?” Although the coaches were hesitant that her injury may have hurt her chances of competing, Daniella proved to us, on her first day back, that nothing could stand in her way. She has excelled in her jumps and tumbling throughout the season and never settled for anything less than perfection. She has been an exceptional leader with outstanding character both on and off the mat. This season’s Most Valuable Player award goes to Daniella Salant.
Girls Junior Varsity Cheerleading
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Jaclyn Terranova
This season’s most committed cheerleader is a girl that worked very hard to improve herself in all aspects of cheerleading. She was constantly asking questions about what she could do to be better. She attended private tumbling classes to get her back handspring and even though they weren’t always the prettiest, she was committed to making her tumbling skills better. She was always pushing her stunt group to get better and work together. She is without a doubt one of the most positive cheerleaders on the team. The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Jaclyn Terranova.
Most Improved Player – Noelle Albertrani
The JV cheerleading most improved player is a flyer that has been a member of the Kellenberg cheerleading program since the Latin School. She has improved tremendously in her stunting abilities and listens to every correction you give her. Even with an injury, she managed to hit her new skills and be a key flyer in our routine. She worked tirelessly at her tumbling and flexibility. She was a pleasure to coach and we are very proud of how far she has come. This season’s most improved cheerleader is Noelle Albertrani.
Most Valuable Player – Haley Larkin
The JV cheerleading most valuable player award goes to a young lady that has been a true asset to this team. She is not only the strongest tumbler, but has become one of the strongest stunters as well. Her commitment to cheerleading and to her team makes her that much more valuable. As a captain, Coach Checkers and I turned to her to motivate the girls to be the best they could be. She led by example and was easily one of the hardest workers at each practice. Haley embodies what we as coaches strive for our cheerleaders to be. The Junior Varsity most valuable cheerleader is Haley Larkin.
Girls Varsity Cheerleading
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Sarah Fiore
This season’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to a girl who has been a member of our program since she was in 7th grade. Having competed for us as a base last year, we asked her to make the switch to full time flyer this year. For most people, this is a task that they would not be able to handle- but not Sarah. She not only excelled in the air, it was clear that was where she always belonged! Her confidence and passion for the sport showed through in every skill she performed on that mat. She gave 110% each and every practice and competition. She made such an impact on her team and her coaches, that she was almost unanimously selected to be our teams’ LICCA All-star! We are grateful to have had her in our program for as the past 6 years, and we look forward to watching her continue her cheerleading career into her college years. This season’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Sarah Fiore.
Most Improved Player – Gabriella Kesner
This season’s MIP Award goes to a cheerleader who is extremely talented. Watching her as a nervous junior who lacked confidence in her ability, and watching her this year was almost as if we were watching two different kids. As her confidence improved, so did her skills. Extremely hardworking and intelligent, this cheerleader proved that when you are confident in yourself, it shows through in each and every performance. When she performed for us this year, you couldn’t take your eyes off of her. She should be so proud of her accomplishments, because we as her coaches sure are! This season’s MIP Award goes to Gabriella Kesner.
Most Valuable Player – Kirstin LoMacchio
This season’s MVP Award goes to a “gymnast turned cheerleader”. Often times girls come in from gymnastics and though they do some stunting, their primary role is to tumble. When this cheerleader realized how much she enjoyed cheerleading as a sophomore, she made the transition to fulltime cheerleader in her junior year. She proved herself so much that she was chosen as one of the team captains this year. She took this role very seriously, and was willing to do anything it took to make her team the best they possibly could be. She played a major role in every stunt that was put up in our routine. On top of this, she tumbled more than any other person on the mat for us, stunning the crowd and judges with her elite tumbling skills. Thank you for making the move over to cheerleading last year! Our team would not have been as successful as it was without you being such a big part of it. This season’s MVP Award goes to Kirstin LoMacchio.
Junior Varsity Dance Team
Bernie Ward Commitment – Caitlin McDaniels
Award This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to one of the most spirited and flawless dancers on our team. Her technique and ability to pick up choreography has only improved throughout the entire season. As an integral member of the team, she was truly committed to making our team better. She has always been committed to developing her technique even further. We are extremely proud to have her as a member of the Kellenberg Memorial JV Dance Team and we are looking forward to her continued development in our dance program. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment award goes to Freshmen, Caitlin McDaniels.
Most Improved Award – Chrissy Gatto
This year’s Most Improved Award goes to a dancer who has continuously developed her technique and overall presence on the floor. We have had the pleasure of watching her become a developed and gifted dancer. She has been chosen to compete in both pom and hip hop. She has perfected her own dance moves and adjusted her own dancing style to dance as one with her team members. We believe with more hard work and practice, she will excel on the dance team in years to come. This year’s Most Improved Dancer goes to Freshmen, Chrissy Gatto.
Most Valuable Award – Sophia Montoni
From the beginning of tryouts, we knew that this young lady would be one of our strongest dancers. She has demonstrated technique in many different areas of dance. Her technique was always impressive and as the season progressed it only continued to mature. One of her strongest assets is the ability to take constructive advice and become an even better dancer. She has also developed a leadership role in which she was always there to review choreography with other members of the team. Her personality throughout the season and passion for the team has made her a pleasure to coach. This year’s Most Valuable Dancer goes to Freshmen, Sophia Montoni.
Varsity Dance Team
The Most Valuable Player – Alexandra Ronan
The recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award is Alexandra Ronan. This young lady is a devoted team member who contributes her time and effort to the team. She has skill, ambition and strong leadership qualities, which make her a brilliant captain. Her optimism and motivation are characteristics that allow her to excel at practices and competition performances. Furthermore, her teammates look to her as a role model because of her drive and enthusiastic approach. We wish her the best of luck, and we are excited to see all that she will achieve in her college career!
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Kiersten Pues
The recipient of the Bernie Ward Commitment Award is Kiersten Pues. Since her sophomore year, this young lady has had such a dominant presence on the team. Kiersten is a hard worker with an upbeat personality and high spirit. She is never one to give up on challenging choreography; rather, she strives to achieve it. Her dedication to the team and natural talent is a quality that is admired by both her coaches and teammates. Each time she performs, she captivates the audience with her impeccable skill and outstanding showmanship. Her commitment to each and every routine radiates as she is performing. This dancer exemplifies a true devotion to her craft.
The Most Improved Award – Caroline Jareb
The recipient of the Most Improved Awards is Caroline Jareb. Throughout her season on dance team, she has grown into a better dancer. Along the way, her skill and talent have matured allowing her to meet her fullest potential. An important trait she possesses is she learns from each constructive critique allowing her to work upon that particular area. In doing so, it was great to see her successfully execute the hip-hop portion of the game routine with full confidence. Keep up the excellent work! We wish her all the best and are eager to see what college has in store for her!
Boys Varsity Swimming Team
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Kyle Chin
This Year the Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Kyle Chin. Kyle is a returning sophomore and this season he truly demonstrated his commitment to swimming and the Kellenberg swim team. During tryouts it was clear that Kyle had improved significantly from his freshmen year. His times in the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle were considerably faster than his freshmen tryout times and it appeared that Kyle was going to be a primary part of our team’s line-up. Unfortunately a few weeks into the season Kyle was experiencing shoulder pain and after consulting a doctor was told that he would not be able to participate in practice. Despite this setback Kyle only missed one meet in order to get an MRI for his shoulder. Kyle came to every other practice and meet to support his team despite not being able to participate for the rest of the season. Kyle’s extraordinary commitment truly demonstrates what it means to be a member of a team, and we hope that he will return next year healthy and ready to swim.
Most Improved Player – Joseph Levano
This year’s Most Improved Player is Joseph Levano. When Joe tried out at the beginning of the season it was clear that Joe had a lot of potential; he had a powerful stroke and decent times. But after a few weeks of hard work, it was clear that Joe was going to become an integral part of our team’s starting lineup. Joe’s stroke had gotten smoother and his endurance had improved drastically. By the end of the season, Joe had dropped 10 Seconds in the 100 Freestyle and more than 6 seconds in the 50 Freestyle. In addition Joe became a valuable asset to the team both in individual events and relay. Congratulations Joseph Levano.
Most Valuable Player – Patrick Wilson
[Photo Unavailable]
This year the Most Valuable Player Award goes to Patrick Wilson. Patrick is a returning sophomore who had a particularly amazing season. After placing first in the vast majority of his individual events at our dual meets, Patrick came in fifth overall during the CHSAA Championship meet. Patrick also swam an impressive 1:00.89 in the 100 Breaststroke during the championship meet and qualified for the State Swim meet, a distinction that no one on the Kellenberg team has earned in a number of years. Patrick has been a tremendous asset to the team and we look forward to seeing his progress in the years to come.
Boys Freshman Winter Track
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Justin Harvey
Our Bernie Ward commitment award winner goes to a young man who excelled in the sprints and the jumps and has been eager to run since he was on our Latin school team. Justin Harvey displays the kind of commitment that even his varsity teammates can benefit from. Justin finished 3rd and 4th place in the long jump at both the freshman league and intersectional championships respectively. Justin was also a integral member of our freshman boys 4X200 meter relay which garnered 3rd place medals at the freshman league championships and a 4th place finish at the intersectional championships. Justin not only gets better in his events, but he makes others around him better. Our Bernie Ward commitment award winner is Justin Harvey.
Most Improved Award – Dominick DeMasi
[Photo Unavailable]
The most improved award goes to an athlete who represented the only freshman member of his event group. With that being said, Dominick DeMasi had to learn pretty fast the ways of the shot put world from his varsity teammates. They surely did provide him with a great deal of education behind the art that is throwing, and they made him feel comfortable as a new athlete to the sport. Dom improved by 5 whole feet from tryouts to the championship meet and earned a 2nd place finish at the freshman league championships. Dom will be looked upon next indoor season to carry the torch as a varsity athlete and mentor the next group of throwers eager to prove themselves just as Dom is. Our most improved award winner is Dominick DeMasi.
Most Valuable Award – Dylan Ambroise
[Photo Unavailable]
This award goes to a young man who led by his own example. Dylan Ambroise has a natural ability that is coupled with a strong desire to compete every time his number is called. Dylan took home honors in 3200 meter run at the league championships placing 3rd and a runner up 2nd at the intersectional championships. Dylan also placed 2nd in the novice mile at the varsity championships registering a 4:51 mile which breaking the coveted 5 minute barrier is no easy feat, especially in your first indoor season. He followed up his most valuable performances in cross country with another valuable award in the indoor season. Congratulations Dylan Ambroise.
Boys Varsity Winter Track
Bernie Ward Commitment – Andrew McPherson
Award Our Bernie Ward commitment award winner goes to a young man who is the epitome of the one heart one mind mentality at school. Senior captain Andrew McPherson represents the total package at Kellenberg. On the track, Andrew is often seen leading our group voluntarily during the fall training period and leading the squad in the captain’s position in the winter. Andrew will also teach the faith during the week in our PREP program but always ask the coach what the workout was. Andrew is also seen as a mentor to the freshman both in the classroom and on the track and takes his apostolic responsibilities with great sincerity and focus which is the greatest example a young man can show at Kellenberg. Our Bernie Ward commitment award winner is senior captain Andrew McPherson.
Most Improved Award – Greg Adams
The most improved award goes to a member of our sprinter and hurdler group. Greg Adams excelled at the short sprints and ran the third leg of a vastly improving relay. The third leg by track and field coaches is sometimes categorized as the “weakest” leg and often a runner is hidden in this spot. That is not the strategy of the coaching staff that prides themselves on having Greg as a secret weapon who has taken the relay from a team in the mix to the team in the lead. A runner who possesses a unique professionalism when practicing and competing and shows great respect for the sport he was competed in since his grammar school days and we look forward to a fine end to a quality high school career at Kellenberg. Our most improved award winner is senior Greg Adams.
Most Valuable Award – Robert Weissheier
[Photo Unavailable]
A shot putter is often times behind the scenes being in the weight room or at another field for most of practice, but, there was no denying that our most valuable award winner was seen plenty in the throwing circle during competition. Robert Weissheier worked hard and performed to the highest possible level this season. He set a goal of the coveted 50 feet mark in the 12 pound shot put, a high goal for any thrower but not for Robert, who had thrown 47 feet coming into the season but had the desire and the work ethic to achieve such a mark. His best came at the time when we needed it, the League Championships. Robert threw 51 feet 8 1⁄2 inches to claim a third place finish in the league, and followed it up two weeks later with a 3rd place finish at the Catholic State Championships moving him one spot closer to the State Federation Championships. Our varsity most valuable award goes to junior Robert Weissheier.
Girls Freshman Winter Track
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Julia Bryant
Off to a slow start after her very successful freshman cross country season, Julia Bryant “got her feet wet” both literally and figuratively in competitive experience and the necessary confidence to be a consistent winner. Realizing that distance running done on off days is like academic homework at night, a necessary drudgery, Julia ignited in the championship season scoring on important relays in Varsity competition. That alone, along with her spirit as evidenced by her joining a small contingent of girls making spirit posters for senior teammates are just two examples of why Julia Bryant has earned this season’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award for our freshman team.
Most Improved Award – Julia Rasweiler
A brand new participant in the high hurdle event, Julia Rasweiller was a quick study in this skill event. Starting out her season running the 55meter high hurdle event in over 12 seconds, her hard work resulted in a dramatically improved time of 10.74 and a key bronze medal third place finish at the all-important NSCHSGAA Freshman/Sophomore League Championship Meet. She also ran a very courageous leg on the scoring 4×400 relay in that aforementioned meet. Hard work, effort, focus, and humility all added up for the formula making Julia Rasweiler our season’s M.I.P. award winner.
Most Valuable Award – Nora Bennett
[Photo Unavailable]
Combining a steely racing competitiveness on the track, with an elegant introspective demeanor off the track, Nora Bennett’s maturity creates special happenings for her and the team. She won the NSCHSGAA Frosh/Soph 1500 meter league championship race with a blazing kick on the last lap, and she led off the winning Varsity 3200 meter relay at the Stanner Games, which still holds as this years’ top Long Island time. Nora Bennett leads a great group of freshman into an exciting future.
Girls Varsity Winter Track
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Jazmine Fray
The athletes who taste the bitter end of a brutal winter are the mid-distance and distance athletes. It is imperative for them to continue to get their training “base and miles” no matter what the conditions, no matter where. It requires particular strength of character to eschew boredom on the treadmill, or biting wind in your face doing intervals at low tide on Long Island’s South Shore beaches. Such was the committed character and committed example Jazmine Fray gave this winter to her sport, and to her event. This commitment led to her unprecedented eighth CHSAA Intersectionals.
Most Improved Award – Keryann Ladouceur
Having the distinction of being only the third competitive Lady Firebird athlete to have a major injury in fifteen years, Keryann Ladouceur sat out both the Winter and Spring seasons of her junior year. This season, as a senior, after building back all autumn, Ladoceur exploded back on the track scene. She ran to the fifth fastest Kellenberg 300 meter performer time ever, and ran a pivotal leg on the Millrose Championship Spring Medley Relay. A young woman, with a contagious smile and warm heart, she wins this season’s M.I.P. award “the old fashioned way-she earned it!”
Most Valuable Award – Bridget McNierney
So “Most Valuable” in many ways to this team, Bridget McNierney is the consummate Captain and team leader. Whether it’s helping to coordinate practices, mentor young teammates, or win an Intersectional title, almost win in another event, and then lead off a relay in another event, McNierney has been the Most Valuable team member on this distinguished team all season. Dignified, cool, calm, and collected, McNierney defines this championship team at its best!
Junior Varsity Wrestling
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Jordan Paladino
Jordan Paladino established himself as a team leader from the first day of workouts. Jordan helps teach technique in the room on a daily basis. His leadership was one of the major reasons most of the boys improved so much during the season. Jordan is well respected by his peers and the coaching staff. He represents all the values taught by Kellenberg Memorial High School. Bernie Ward would have loved coaching Jordan. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner is Jordan Paladino.
Most Improved Player – TJ Catapano
Having never wrestled before the start of the season TJ Catapano could have easily gotten frustrated and quit the sport of wrestling, but that’s not TJ! TJ struggled at first as many wrestlers do in the beginning of their careers. This was hard for the incredibly competitive young man because he hasn’t had much experience with failure. TJ worked his hardest and the losses would eventually turn to wins. TJ Catapano is this year’s Most Improved Wrestler.
Most Valuable Player – John Cascio
John Cascio was a leader in the wrestling room before captains were even announced. He was the hardest worker in the room and never complained. Every day he came to practice with a smile on his face and no matter how tough our practices were he left the same way. He’s a future champion, a talented wrestler, and most of all a great teammate. This year’s MVP is John Cascio!
Boys Varsity Wrestling
Bernie Ward Commitment Award – Joe Moscato
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner goes to a very special young man who has been a part of the wrestling program for the past 7 years since his days in the Latin School. Joe Moscato embodies everything about this award and the person it is named after. Throughout all the years he has been a part of the program I can’t recall one instance where Joe ever skipped a practice, match, or tournament, he showed up every day and did what was asked of him. Often referred to as the toughest guy in the room Joe made sure nobody ever outworked him. During his career Joe was a 2-year captain, earned all league honors 3 times, a League champion and two-time all Catholic State Wrestler.
Most Improved Player – Johnny Ryan
This season’s Most Improved Wrestler is Johnny Ryan, last season Johnny struggled to win matches mainly because his opponents often overpowered him. At the end of last season the coaching staff told him what he needed to do in the offseason to succeed as a wrestler, Johnny took the advice and ran with it. Lifting weights regularly the entire offseason he came into this season with a foundation to become a better wrestler. With this foundation Johnny worked tirelessly everyday in the room and often times after practice on various techniques and his conditioning. This year of hard work culminated in the postseason where Johnny exceeded everybody’s expectations and took 4th place in the CHSAA State Tournament.
Most Valuable Player – Jason Javier
Jason Javier was this year’s Most Valuable Wrestler, Jason led the team in wins with 31 and was champion at the Huntington and East Meadow Tournaments as well as the runner up at the Mahopac Tournament. Jason ended the season as a league runner up and 4th in the CHSAA State Tournament. He wrestled in every event during the season and was always counted on to be one of the top point scorers for the team.