On March 6, the winter freshman and junior varsity athletics programs gathered to honor the athletes of the winter season. Awards were given for most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team.
- The Most Improved Player Award is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills, which contributed to the success of their team.
- The Bernie Ward Commitment Award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season.
- The Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.
Junior Varsity Hockey
Benjamin Weissbard
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Benjamin is one of the most loyal players on our team. He demonstrated his commitment not only by his attendance record but by his desire to always go above and beyond. He displays an excellent work ethic and always puts forth his best effort. Benjamin is reliable on and off the ice.
Michael Nygaard
Most Improved Player
Michael achieved the most athletically during the season. After a slow start, Mike was able to quickly bring his game to the next level. A mixture of speed and tenacious, Mike was called on to pester and match up against opponents’ top players. His ability to read plays and anticipation on the ice was unmatched. Mike’s play set the tone on the ice for his team many times during the season.
Kieran Laffey
Most Valuable Player
Kieran demonstrates a large presence on the ice. He is able to play many positions and is extremely versatile. Kieran has the ability to take charge on the ice and lead his team by example. He offers a diverse mixture of speed, power and hockey sense which allows him and his team multiple opportunities during the game. He is a selfless player and looks to his teammates as they look to him.
Boys Freshman Track
William Richardt
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This year’s Freshman Boy’s Winter Track and Field Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to William Richardt. William is one of the hardest workers we have on the team, including our varsity squad. His level of commitment has helped not only improve himself but also inspire his teammates to work as hard as he does. For these reasons, this year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to William Richardt.
Jose Rodriguez
Most Improved Player
This year’s Freshman Most Improved Runner goes to Joes Rodriquez. Although Jose started the season as one of the top runners on the team, it was his drastic drop off times as the season moved on that stood out. By the end of the season, he was a top-five 300m runner among all Freshman in the NSCHSAA. For all those reasons, this year’s Most Improved Runner goes to Jose Rodriquez.
Christian Calderon
Most Valuable Player
Christian started the year strong in his first year of high school racing by showing the ability to excel at any event. Setting personal bests almost every meet leading into our championship meet at St. Anthony’s High School, Christian placed 2nd in the 55m dash with a time of 7.16. Later in the day, he won the 300m dash with a time of 38.48. He followed up this excellent performance the next week by breaking Erik Browns Freshman 300m record with a time of 37.63. We are looking forward to what Christian will do in the spring season and the years to come.
Girls Freshman Winter Track
Caleigh Hopkins
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
A relentless worker and competitor, this young lady continued what she started in the fall- an authentic pursuit of excellence. She enjoys drawing other girls to her sport and exudes a quiet, yet radiantly bright positive spirit. She scored in the most challenging indoor race- the 3000 meters in the freshman/sophomore championships, and ended her season with a brilliantly raced 1500 meter heat win and 20 second personal best at the CHSAA Varsity Championships. We are honored this morning to award Caleigh Hopkins the B.W.C.A.
Klaudia Kurek
Most Improved Player
This young lady worked very hard during cross country in the fall to keep improving. She carried that momentum and persistence in winter track and made leaps and bounds in the hurdles and jumps. She was also counted upon to run strong legs on the 4×200 relay. She is a polite, dignified young woman. We are honored this morning to award Klaudia Kurek with the Freshman M.I.P. award for freshman winter track and field.
Olivia Spirakis
Most Valuable Player
Another hard worker, this young woman quietly goes about drilling, sprinting, jumping, never drawing attention to herself, yet, allowing her performances to draw attention to their excellence. After garnering a silver medal in the long jump in the league freshman/sophomore championships, she won her very first triple jump championship at the same meet. She was our only freshman scorer in both the Varsity NSCHSGAA and Varsity CHSAA championships. She is a student-athlete with a great future, and we are honored this morning to award Olivia Spirakis the MVP award for freshman winter track and field.
Junior Varsity Dance Team
Julia Baratta
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Commitment is shown not only by attendance but by one’s presence. This dancer had come to practices willing to learn and grow. With a setback early in the winter season, this dancer had to sit out due to an injury, yet she never complained. She showed up early to each practice, was attentive to learn each routine, gave feedback and encouraged her teammates. When she was able to dance again, she surprised her coaches by getting into the routines even through the changes and adjustments that happened daily. She continued to give 100% to the team. This season, the Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Julia Baratta.
Olivia Montoni
Most Improved Player
From the beginning of the winter season to the last competition, the team had improved overall on technique, teamwork, and showmanship. We were fortunate enough to see the girls grow as dancers and as a team. This one dancer, in particular, had come a long way. At the beginning of the season, this girl was a bit timid to take initiatives such as leading stretches, giving critiques, or suggestions. But as the team got closer and the coaches needed the support of the team, this girl came out of her shell. Her techniques improved week by week and she wasn’t afraid to lead the team by giving pep talks, suggesting changes to routines, and stepping into more routines when needed. We are so proud to recognize Oliva Montoni with the Most Improved Award.
Patricia Rood
Most Valuable Player
The Most Valuable Player award is given to a dancer who has been one of the strongest assets for this team during both the fall and winter seasons. This dancer has shown passion, commitment, leadership and true dedication to this dance program. Her technique and performance presence was vital to achieving success during this competition season. She is a truly inspiring teammate, who is always willing to help when learning or teaching choreography. She has attended each practice willing to work hard for both her team and coaches. Congratulations to Patricia Rood on receiving the Most Valuable Player Award.
Junior Varsity “A” Cheerleaders
Molly Spiro
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This season’s Bernie Commitment Award goes to a cheerleader who has fully dedicated herself to the JV A cheerleading team. She works hard at each and every practice and pushes herself to be the best cheerleader she can be. Her commitment to her teammates, coaches, and sport is evident each day. We can always count on Molly to have a positive attitude and open mind to anything we put her way. No matter how tough a practice may be, Molly always leaves smiling. We are very proud of everything she’s accomplished and can’t wait to watch her continue to grow as a cheerleader. This season’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Molly Spiro.
Taylor Kuhner
Most Improved Player
The Most Improved Award goes to a cheerleader who has shown tremendous growth and dedication since she first put on her Kellenberg cheerleading uniform in September. Taylor Kuhner has spent her time perfecting her already-existing skills and striving to acquire new ones. She has pushed herself throughout the season to improve her stunting and tumbling skills, and she has continued to impress us each and every practice. We are proud to recognize all of her improvements this year, and we can’t wait to see her bright future as a cheerleader. This season’s most improved JV A cheerleader is Taylor Kuhner.
Mia Quinones
Most Valuable Player
This season’s Most Valuable Player goes to a cheerleader who has been a true asset to our team over the past two years. Mia Quinones is an all-around cheerleader with strong stunting skills, impressive jumps, and beautiful tumbling. She has proven to be one of the most reliable flyers on the team, and she pushes herself and her teammates beyond what is asked of them each and every practice. Mia’s effort, talent, positivity, and determination are unmatched. She is a natural leader and an absolute pleasure to coach. Mia excels in all aspects of cheerleading, and we can’t wait to watch her continue to grow as a cheerleader. This season’s Most Valuable Player is Mia Quinones.
Junior Varsity “B” Cheerleaders
Ella Decamp
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Not many coaches have the pleasure of coaching someone for three years but an athlete like Ella is a coach’s dream. Ella has proven to be a reliable teammate and athlete on all levels. Her ability to engage the crowd and lead with enthusiasm as well as encourage her teammates is what true commitment is about. Faced with adversity this season Ella proved to her coaches how much competing for her team meant to her and showed up to help perform a perfect routine. We are very proud of Ella and her commitment to the KMHS Cheer program!
Julie Shaheen
Most Improved Player
Julie Shaheen has certainly proved to be this team’s most improved player. Julie was always willing to learn new stunts and skills in the air. She progressed greatly in her jumps and motions while continuing to impress the coaches with her ability of flying. Julie’s main pyramid a combination of many skills, was one of our favorite parts of the routines, as she executed it perfectly every time with a smile on her face. We are excited for Julie’s future as cheerleading in the KMHS cheer program!
Kelly Ann Schecht
Most Valuable Player
Coming onto the winter team Kelly we had no idea how much Kelly would bring to the table. Originally trying out as a base and flyer, Kelly stepped up learning new counts and skills. She was thrown into both the opening stunt and end pyramid and did so perfectly. Kelly has not only improved greatly but also opened herself to sharing her great tumbling skills. Being able to play more than one position makes Kelly certainly one of the most valuable players on the team and a bright future in the program. Congratulations Kelly!
Girls Junior Varsity Basketball
Briana Fassett
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Briana Fassett is this year’s Bernie Ward Commitment award recipient. Briana’s love for basketball is paramount. Her devotion is contagious, her skill is irrefutable, and her knowledge of the game manifests the best in her teammates as well as herself. Briana is always looking to make herself better and has developed a knack for being a student of the game which is such a rare, but precious, quality to possess. Briana worked extremely hard this season to become the very best and that showed. Averaging 6 points a game, Briana was consistently a shooting guard we could rely on and she truly showed that during the postseason. With an awesome half-court shot at the end of the first quarter in the championship game, Briana truly poured her heart and soul on the court- not just this game but every game! She has been a wonderful young lady to coach who has a heart of gold and not to mention–some great committed fans to cheer for her along the way. I look forward to joining that fan club to watch Briana continue her basketball career and I know she will do wonders!
Katherine Shammas
Most Improved Player
Katherine Shammas is this year’s most improved player. With limited time last year as a freshman, Katherine came out guns blazing showing a huge improvement! Her dribbling and shooting skills were greatly impressive and her sheer athleticism and instinct solidified her in the starting five. With a need for a forward this season, Katherine took the responsibility and excelled in every aspect. She became one of our greatest assets- a great rebounder with great “ups” and an integral part of our press in the “MOM” spot where she could anticipate any pass and jump in front of it for a turnover every time. It was unbelievable to watch and got the team pumped up for more! She was always willing to do what the team needed and wanted to be on the court during those crucial moments embracing it. As a sophomore captain, Katherine was a true leader by example- always giving 110% and leaving nothing on the court. I cannot wait to see what her future holds in this basketball program.
Nora Casey
Most Valuable Player
This year’s most valuable player is Nora Casey. The first second Nora stepped into the Bird’s Nest, I knew she was going to be special. With two forwards brought up to varsity, Nora had pretty big shoes to fill—AND SHE NAILED IT! Nora’s knowledge of the game and her basketball talent was undeniable and solidified Nora being the starting forward without any hesitation. As she got more comfortable with the team and vice versa, she became unstoppable. With such amazing talent, Nora slowly became a force to be reckoned with. Achieving a season-high of 17 points, Nora averaged 10 points a game with great defensive blocks and turnovers that made her the core to our defense. Ultimately, Nora was our heart and when she was on the court, everyone was more confident which allowed us to succeed even more! She is a wonderful teammate, a silent leader, and a great young woman. I look forward to watching her grow even more throughout this basketball program.
Boys Freshman Basketball
Sean Cannon
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Sean exemplifies the true nature of a competitor. Sean worked hard in every practice and game, which assisted us in some key victories during the season. Even after a severe ankle injury midway in the season, Sean returned to play, never “skipping a beat.” Sean was a true pleasure to have worked with during this season.
Ryan Sharkey
Most Improved Player
Ryan, quiet in nature, entered the season in the shadows of his other teammates in the forward position, resulting in limited contributions in games. However, over time, Ryan’s patience paid off as he became a starter at the end of the season, demonstrating an understanding of the game, which will hopefully lead to his early success next year on the junior varsity team.
Matthew Ingram
Most Valuable Player
Matthew was the most consistent player throughout the season. Matthew rarely came out of games because, without his calm facilitation of the team playbook, the team would suffer on the court. Matthew always stayed focus and gave his best in every game.
Boys Junior Varsity Basketball
Joseph Carasone
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Throughout any season, teams and individual players will have their ups and downs, but it is how you react to them that shows what type of player and person you are. Joseph Carasone was a player who did not play every minute of every game, but he took full advantage of every opportunity he had out on the court. Many others would have complained based upon this position on the team, but not Joe. Joe remained diligent toward the team’s success and was always a team-first type of player. Whether he played the whole game or only a few minutes, he was always willing to do whatever it took to aid in the team’s success throughout the entire season.
Ethan Greenwood
Most Improved Player
The Most Improved award goes to Ethan Greenwood. Ethan came into the season as a bit of an unknown. On the Freshmen team last year, he was a part of their success, but the coaching staff knew he could be much more. He had all of the qualities a star player. Quickness, strength, speed and an understanding of the game that many of those around him did not possess. While there were flashes of these qualities last year, the coaching staff knew that all it would take was giving Ethan a greater role on the JV team to bring it out of him. He did not disappoint. As captain, he was the true leader of this team. Offensively and Defensively he was the catalyst for the team’s success in every game we played.
Connor Eakin
Most Valuable Player
The Most Valuable Player award goes to the player who is most vital to the success of the team. Connor Eakin was that player for the Boys JV Basketball team. Connor was the leading scorer in almost every game for the team this year. His right-handed hook shot is one of the best the coaching staff has ever seen and led to some very impressive offensive games. There were many times that the other players on the team would look to him to take over games, and take over he did. These bursts of scoring that Connor would have led to a majority of our wins this year. We could not have had the success we did this season without his offensive skills.
Junior Varsity Wrestling
Frankie Leckler
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
It is extremely tough for a freshman to hold his own competing at the 182 lb. weight class. Frankie Leckler did just that. As our back up 182 lb. wrestler Frankie was able to place 5th at the NSCHAA Tournament.
Jack Ligarzewski
Most Improved Player
Jack Ligarzewski went from a JV wrestler to almost pinning the league champion in the NSCHSAA Tournament. Jack came within one match of placing at the CHSAA Tournament. His incredible progression this year was a sight to see!
Brendan Martin
Most Valuable Player
Brendan Martin started the entire season at the 99-pound weight class. Brendan accumulated 17 wins and placed 5th at the NSCHSAA Tournament and 6th at the CHSAA State Tournament.