Winter Varsity Athletic Awards – 2023

On March 7, the members and families of the w varsity athletic programs gathered to honor the athletes of the fall varsity teams. Awards were given for the most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each 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 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 Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.

---

Girls Varsity Bowling
The season started off with 4 returning bowlers and 8 new bowlers. Our goal in November was to become a team and learn to work together. The team started off to a great start the first half of the season, the team was finding their way and dealing with my constant changing the lineup. When we returned from the Christmas break we began to find our rhythm, much of which was due to our team retreat in early January. The team was led by captains Colleen Bayley, Jenna Biscotti and Grace Pizzardi, who all did a wonderful job encouraging and leading their teammates. Our motto was consistency. Many of our athletes hit personal high games and series throughout the season and I could not be more proud of all the accomplishments each of our 12 bowlers reached this year! We ended the regular season with a record of 9 and 3 which placed in a quarterfinal match against Our Lady of Mercy. After winning that we moved on to the semifinal match verse St. Anthony’s. The entire game was close and every little pin knocked down mattered. The girls spirits were high and they stayed in the match until the very end. Unfortunately, we lost a heartbreak by a score of 5 – 4 and a difference of 39 pins ending our season in 3rd place. We did however, qualify 4 bowlers to the Induvial championship, Jenna, Kerri, Grace and Chole. All of which did an amazing job! Kerri won the high series and broke the league record with a 710 series, being the first girl in the league to hit a series over 700 and bowl 3 games over 200. I am so incredibly proud of how far each of you have come this season and although I will miss our seniors I am very exciting to see what our program will become in the future! Congratulations on a wonderful and fun season and always remember to Dream Big!

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Emma Dolan
Emma Dolan was one of the most consistent bowlers on the team this year. She showed up every day with a smile or her face and every day you would put forth her best effort. She was encouraging to her teammates and was always there to cheer them on. She ended the season with a 141 average and bowled her high game of 170 this year! Emma I am so proud of what you have accomplished this year and cannot wait to see you grow even more in the years to come!

Most Improved Player
Riley Schroeder
Riley Schroeder joined out team this year and each day showed up ready to bowl. She started off the season in the low 100 and eventually worked her way into the starting line up.   By the middle of the season she hit her stride bowling consistently in the 130’s. This average helped us make a run in the playoffs! Riley ended the season bowling a 141 average in our playoffs. Congratulations on a wonderful season!

Most Valuable Player
Kerri Callahan
Kerri Callahan, although only a freshman, began to make a name for herself in our bowling world. Kerri started the season off strong and never missed a beat. She hit record high games and series throughout the season and she became one of the players to watch. Kerri ended the regular season with a 154 average and had a playoff average of 164. She had the second highest average in the league and did win the league High Series Award of 559, which she bowled on January 5. Kerri qualified for our leagues Individual Championship and also won the high series award with a series of 710, which broke the league record. Kerri also became the first female to bowl 3 games over 200 in this tournament. Kerri I am so proud of your accomplishments and cannot wait to see you grow the next 3 years. Congratulations!

All League & Other Award Recipients
Kerri Callahan, Jenna Biscotti, Grace Pizzardi, Chloe Horstmann
Kerri Callahan – High Series for Regular Season, and High Series at the Individual Tournament

 

– – – – – – – – – – –

Boys Varsity Bowling
This year, the Boys Varsity Bowling Team had a very successful season.  The team developed a motto early in the season to remain calm, cool, and confident no matter what else was going on.  Using this motto and mindset, the team finished with an 8 and 4 record and third place in the league.  Throughout the season, the team continued to improve and gain more confidence with every match.  This confidence was on full display as they entered the playoffs.  After a first round win over St. Dominic’s, the team was faced with a match against defending champions, St. Anthony’s.  By staying calm, cool, and confident, the team bowled an incredible game and eliminated the defending champs by a score of 7 to 2.  The only team that remained between us and the championship was another tough rival, Chaminade.  The boys battled hard in the championship mach but ultimately came up short.  As I said before, the team had a very successful season: we had a second place finish, 4 players qualify for the Individual League Championship, and 2 qualify for the State Tournament.  Clearly, the future is bright for the Boys Varsity Bowling team.  The coaches would also like to quickly thank senior captain Memphis Ling for his 4 years of dedication and commitment to the team.  We will miss you next year and wish you all the best.          

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Richard Deem
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner is junior captain Richard Deem.  Rich had a great season, finishing with a 191 average.  He qualified for the Individual League Championship and won the High Game with a 249.  He also qualified for the State Tournament as well.  Rich is a strong vocal leader who will stop and help any teammate the moment they need it.  We are fortunate to have him on the team, and look forward to another strong season next year. 

 

Most Improved Player
Michael Iannicelli
This year’s Most Improved Player is Michael Iannicelli.  Mike entered this season having bowled in the past, but not often enough to maintain consistency.  Throughout the season, Mike’s consistency improved greatly.  This was shown several times during the season as he was asked to start various times due to other teammates being sick or absent.  Although shy and nervous at first, Mike continually gained confidence and his scores and attitude represented that.  We are looking forward to even more improvement next season.  

 

Most Valuable Player
Memphis Ling
This year’s Most Valuable Player is senior captain Memphis Ling.  Memphis had another incredible season and finished with a 204 average, which was the second highest in the league.  Memphis was one of four players to qualify for the Individual League Championship.  He was also one of two players to qualify for the State Tournament.

Memphis always remained calm under pressure and was constantly challenging himself to improve every game.  He was a quiet leader, but never hesitated to help a teammate in need.  We wish him all the best in college next year, and will miss him greatly.      

All League & Other Award Recipients
Richard Deem, Brian Hanna, Memphis Ling, Thomas McGovern
Richard Deem: High Game winner at Individual League Championship

 

– – – – – – – – – – –

Girls Varsity Track and Field
This winter we coaches and athletes were privileged to participate in another season of sport. Sport, running, as one former Nassau County judge, himself a lifelong athlete, used to love to quip, “cleanses us in places showers can’t reach…” In a perfect world Sport CAN be a purifier. While of course,  we do not live in perfect world, the opportunity as one of the greatest Olympic athletes ever, Emil Zatopek, once described that every athlete should have, “to train and compete with hope in his or her heart and dreams in his or her head” fortunately exists here on Glenn Curtiss Blvd. The Girls track and field team took advantage of that spacious opportunity and the mild winter to train to new heights. Led by senior runners and jumpers Lisa Anderson, Mackenzie Casey, Captains Kara Curley and Klaudia Kurek, Brooke Hoffman, Caleigh Hopkins, Ella Lapham, Noelle Pierrecharles, Olivia Spirakis, who qualified for the NY State Federation Championships in the triple jump, Jillian Tocco, Hannah Yack, and members of Coach Gignac’s “Throwers University”- Chelsea Ezumah, Kerri Gallagher, and junior Gabby Doris, the team finished their season garnering the Silver Team Plaque at the NSCHSGAA Championships, defeating, among others, a higher rated team, and succumbing only to the number one ranked team in the Metropolitan area. Along the way our 4×400 relay team of Anderson, sophomore Mackenzie Brown, junior Danielle Tercynski, and junior Soph Conde, not only qualified, but finished fourth at the prestigious Millrose Games, and the Sprint mile medley relay quartet of Anderson, Martine Demesyeux, Conde, Ally Abrahams, and Kelsey Nichols qualified for the New Balance Grand Prix in which they competed. Perhaps the unity and varied talents of the team were summed up in the final meet of the season for the team, “The Long Island Elite Meet,” where a sprinter, Ally Abrahams; a triple Jumper, Martine Demeseuyx; a high jumper, Klaudia Kurek; and a mid-distance runner, Mackenzie Brown combined to WIN the 4×200 relay, earning the coveted medals and jackets awarded only to the winners of this meet that represents the best of Long Island’s Public and Catholic High School track and field athletes.

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Gabby Doris
As dedicated as every track athlete must be- envision this- while sixty members of the track and field team assemble every afternoon to practice, laugh, strain in the company of each other, a group of ten or so ladies is off in a separate area dedicated to improving their lot in the challenging art of throwing a weighted ball as far as they can. Some call this group “the hardcore of the hardcores,” some call it “Coach Gignac’s ‘Throwers University,’ whatever the case, the athlete at the core of this dedicated group has been for the past two years -junior Gabby Doris. Her persistence and consistent dedication has rewarded with her with constant improvements, and tonight our prestigious, “Bernie Ward Commitment Award.”

 

Most Improved Player
Lisa Anderson
Lisa, a senior, and multi-season track and field athlete, enjoyed great success this winter season. Her consistent hard work, and commitment to excellence brought her from a one time 63 400 meter split last spring to a consistent sub 62 valued lead off relay leg. She was the critical opening leg on the Millrose 4×400, running a scintillating first lap – making the race FAST for all, and getting Kellenberg noticed by the track and field adoring crowd. She ran an equally ferocious 200 meters on the Boston Grand Prix Medley Relay team, and she contributed to the team with her improved long jumping. Her diligence on the track is commensurate with her diligence in the classroom. Lisa will work on her endurance strength this spring and continue to improve on her tough 400 meter runs. Tonight, we are honored to reward her as the deserving recipient of the M.I.P Award.

 

Most Valuable Player
Olivia Spirakis
For the past two track seasons Olivia has been the example of quiet excellence in her personality, but loud excellence in her achievements. Olivia was the league coach’s choice for the Most Valuable Field Performer of the NSCHSGAA Championship Meet, for her victory in the triple jump and her close runnerup finish in the long jump. She was the Silver medalist in the triple jump at the Catholic State Intersectional Championship Meet, qualifying her for the NY State Federation Championships. She added to her laurels a “National Meet Rising Star” qualification for her personal best jump of 34-11.5. Olivia is a student athlete with a promising future, and we thank her tonight for all her contributions to our team, and reward her as our well-deserved Most Valuable Performer Award.

All League & Other Award Recipients
Caleigh Hopkins, Michaela Dennean, Sophia Conde, Mackenzie Brown, Lisa Anderson, Martine Demesyeux, Ally Abrahams, Klaudia Kurek, Olivia Spirakis
“Long Island Elite Award Winners”- Ally Abrahams, Martine Demesyeux, Klaudia Kurek, Mackenzie Brown

 

– – – – – – – – – – –

Boys Varsity Track and Field
This year’s winter track and field season has all about “reloading” the talent that our team has.  The departure of one of Kellenberg’s greatest athletes in Jayden Lyons, lit a fire in our team to fill in his void. Our sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers, and throwers answered the call in their journey to become the best version of themselves. Their efforts culminated in a third place finish at the league championships. The sprint corps led the way for the team’s success. Evans Linzey has surpassed all expectations placed on him this year to prove to the world that he is “that guy”. At the league championships, Evans won gold in the 55 dash, the 300 dash, and the 4×200 meter relay. At the time of this ceremony, Evans has the fastest 300 meter time on Long Island and is one of the top in the event in the state. Kavon Morris, Mario Sanabria, Ethan Thomas, Justin McKenzie, Nicolas Baldwin, Michael “Miguel” Haskell, Malachi McCaskill, and Darren “Coach” Rhooms helped contribute to the success of our 4×200 relay with our “A” team being the second fastest in the state at one point. By the end of the season, 16 athletes had split faster than 26 seconds in the 200. The efforts of our “A” relay earned them a spot in the prestigious Millrose games where we finished 3rd. It was Kellenberg’s first time competing in that meet in 10 years.  Their efforts also earned them a bid to the Nike Indoor Nationals to be held mid-March. Coach Green’s “Jump U” was neck and neck with our sprinters in contributions to the team. Ryan “Jumpman” Mroz was a pleasant surprise winning golds in the triple jump and high jump as well as a silver in the long jump at the league Championships. Ryan finished the season with the best high jump in the league and earned an “Emerging Elite” bid in the triple jump at the Nike Indoor Nationals and represented Kellenberg at the State Federation Championships. Our hurdle crew consisting of Danny Carsey, Will Mullin, Luke Stackpole, Matt Gavagan, Kevin O’Keefe, and Clive Smith also surprised the league with their efforts. Danny, Will, and Luke were finalists in the 55 meter hurdles at the league championships with Danny earning a bid to the Long Island Elite invitational. Our throwers were led by the efforts of Andrew Kaiser and Aiden Donnelly and our distance runners were led by freshman newcomer Daniel Meenan. The coaching staff would like to thank all of these gentlemen not only for their efforts on the track, but also for their support of one another.

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Kavon Morris
Kavon Morris has stepped up as a leader to the men on the track and field team.  He has leveled up not only in his results, but in his maturity as well.  On the track, he answered the call every time the coaching staff asked him too.  He was the leadoff man in our state-ranked 4×200 relay, a position that would scare many athletes.  He raced in the 300 and 400 on occasions, races that are out of his comfort zone.  He also tried a new event, the long jump, for the first time and helped to contribute to our third place team finish at the league championship.  At practice, he consistently led warm-ups and set an example for the whole team with his efforts during the harsh winter elements.  The coaching staff looks forward to his continued efforts in the outdoor season.

 

Most Improved Player
Ryan Mroz
Ryan “Jumpman” Mroz. Ryan’s efforts in the field events almost single handedly helped to put Kellenberg track and field on the map. His double gold in the triple and high jumps and silver in the long jump single handedly helped to contribute to 16 out of the teams 44 points at the league championships. Ryan set personal records in all of his jumps this year.  His high jump of 5’8” was the best in the league.  His long jump of 19’8” was second best in the league. His triple jump of 42’7.75” was the best in the league, top 50 in the state, and earned him a bid to the Emerging Elite Category at the Nike Indoor Nationals.  The coaching staff is excited to see the heights he will soar to in the warmer weather outdoors.

 

Most Valuable Player
Evans Linzey
Evans Linzey is “that guy”. He has been a surprise to the entire league and was named MVP at this year’s league championship. He earned triple gold at the league championships with wins in the 55 dash, 300 dash, and the 4×200 relay.  Evans is the first Kellenberg mens runner to win the 55 and 300 double at the league championships. His personal record of 6.60 in the 55 was ranked in the top 25 in the state. His personal record of 35.17 in the 300 was ranked in the top 10 in the state and is the top time on Long Island.  His personal best relay split of 21.7 helped the 4×200 relay to be as high as 2nd in the state at one point.  Evans helped to contribute 18 out of the teams 44 points at the league championships.

All League & Other Award Recipients
Evans Linzey, Justin McKenzie, Kavon Morris, Ethan Thomas, Mario Sanabria, Ryan Mroz, Malachi McCaskill, Daniel Carsey
Evans Linzey: NSCHSAA Most Valuable Player – Track + Kavon Morris, Mario Sanabria, Ethan Thomas, Evans Linzey: Bronze Medalist in the 4×200 at the Millrose Games

 

– – – – – – – – – – –

Varsity Wrestling
The Firebird varsity wrestling team is more than just a sport, it’s a lifestyle and it’s a family. The members on the varsity wrestling team not only practiced 5 to 6 days a week with 3 hours of practice, they would attend early morning lifting sessions before the school day and stay late after practice to get more mat time. Most members on the varsity wrestling team spent a lot of time on the mats and in the weight room this past offseason.

            The firebirds opened up their season with a difficult schedule including the toughest invitational tournament of the season on Long Island at Long Beach and a dual meet tournament with the 3rd best team in NY State, Wantagh HS. The coaches knew the team would always compete their hardest no matter the level of competition.

            About halfway into January, the firebird wrestling team started to peak with a huge win over Huntington, a top ranked Suffolk County team and historically one of the best wrestling programs in NY state. The firebird wrestling team followed up their exciting dual meet win with a first place finish at the annual Ed Solosky Memorial Wrestling tournament. On January 18, we held our senior night against league rival Chaminade HS. In the dual meet against Chaminade HS with the Birds Nest in full force, the firebirds came back from a 24 – 15 deficit with 5 bouts remaining in the dual meet and beat Chaminade by the score of 39 to 28. After the dual meet against Chaminade, the firebirds continued its winning ways beating Kings Park and St. John the Baptist. The firebirds closed out their regular season as co-league dual meet champs.

            Going into the Postseason, we set our goal on winning the league tournament and the NY CHSAA state tournament. 30 of our top wrestlers were entered into the league tournament. All 30 wrestlers were hoping to place top 5 in the league and earn a spot in the NY CHSAA state tournament. 21 of the 30 would go on to qualify for the NY CHSAA state tournament. However, all 30 wrestlers helped the team win the League tournament title. At the NY CHSAA state tournament, 10 of the 21 wrestlers earned all state honors. Unfortunately, the team came up short in achieving its ultimate goal in winning the NY CHSAA state tournament. However, the future looks bright for firebird wrestling and it wont be long until the firebirds capture that NY CHSAA state title. The coaching is extremely proud of the effort given by all the boys that competed over the course of this season.

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
James Perrotta
James Perrotta was the ultimate team player in what most consider an individual sport. James was one of the most hardworking members on the team and led by example. James was always willing to do whatever the coaches asked and go the extra mile. For dual meets, James would wrestle at whatever weight that was best for the team and most of the time James had to make a great sacrifice to make that weight. He has set an incredible example for the younger members on the varisty team about what it means to put whats best for everyone over oneself first.

 

Most Improved Player
Nori Henry
This years most improved award goes to Nori Henry. After falling up to place at the Catholic State tournament last season, Nori worked extremely hard in the weight room and in the wrestling room to get ready for his senior season. Nori made a complete change this season and was a force to be reckoned with. He was a big part of the team’s success this season and was a great example of hard work paying off. By the end of the season, Nori recorded over twenty wins and earned a 4th place finish at the New York CHSAA championships. 

 

Most Valuable Player
Dylan Page
Dylan Page never wrestled before his freshmen year at Kellenberg, fast forward four years and he can call himself a League Champion and 2 time Catholic State Finalist. Dylan progressively got better every year and this past season was a huge part of the team’s success. When Dylan joined the wrestling team after football this year, the whole dynamic of the team changed. Dylan went a perfect 5 – 0 in his first tournament of the season and led the team to several huge dual meet wins. Dylan was a finalist in almost every tournament he wrestled in this past season and will go down as one of the best heavyweights in the history of the firebird wrestling program.

All League & Other Award Recipients
Nicholas Badolato Andrew DiBiase Elijah Carrington Szakary Calderon Luke Chernaski Joaquin Chungata Mark Chernaski Joseph Estrella Thomas Pasqua Griffin Strauss Rhod Limonta Isaiah Gittens James Perrotta Cornelius Griffin Brendan Martin Jack Barkley Jonathan Hoffman Jack Ligarzewski Nori Henry Dylan Page Luke Fifield

– – – – – – – – – – –

Girls Varsity Basketball
Ten years from now if one were to ask what was the 2022- 2023 Girls Basketball team was like it would be an easy answer: they were competitors.  After graduating eight seniors and most of the starting lineup from last year, the fifteen girls that comprised the Girls Varsity Basketball team this season did everything that they could to compete at the highest level.  Playing one of its toughest non-league schedules in recent memory throughout the year, the team traveled over 1,164 miles to play some of the best competition throughout the tristate area which included games against teams from Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, and even Buffalo.  Yes, that is right!  I said Buffalo.  For the first time in program history, the team was afforded the opportunity to spend two nights in Buffalo, eat plenty of Buffalo Wings and Beef of Wek while playing the top two teams in the area.  Aside from the time spent on the court, the team came together as one having team meals together and organizing their own study hall to prepare for Trimester Exams.  The bonds of friendship created on that trip became instant memories and a rallying point as they headed into league play.  Earning convincing wins over Holy Trinity, Saint John the Baptist and Saint Dominic’s, the team finished the regular season 6-8 in league play.  Although the team came up short in the playoffs, the coaching staff is thrilled with the growth of the team and is excited to see what the future holds.

Most impressively, I am proud to say that these 15 student athletes exemplify what it means to be a Kellenberg Firebird.  To date, the team has earned a cumulative average of 94.2% in the classroom and are involved in 18 other sports or activities.  Furthermore, this email I received sums up the most memorable part of the season: “Often while traveling, we see teenagers on their phones with minimal socialization.  Your team displayed the complete opposite of what we are used to seeing.  They were courteous, respectful and well-mannered during their stay.  If anything, you and your team have turned us into to lifelong Firebird fans moving forward.”

The coaching staff wishes nothing but the best for our four seniors as they move on from the “Birds Nest” next year.  A special thanks to the Kellenberg administration for helping to give our girls the chance to play a season together.  Thank you to our parents as well for all your support throughout the year!  God Bless Firebird Nation!

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Nora Casey
For the last four years, Nora Casey has come to define what it means to be a Kellenberg Girls Basketball Player. In each of the last four years, Nora was the “heart and soul” of the teams she played on.  Nora’s presence on the court was recognized by both her teammates and opponents however, it was off the court, where Nora displayed a sense of leadership that became the “glue” which kept the team together.  The moment that will come to defy Nora’s basketball career at Kellenberg was during a game where she fractured her nose in the opening minutes of a non-league contest.  It would’ve been easy for most players to sit out the duration of the year with an injury of this magnitude however that would not be the case for Nora.  Nora returned in a week’s time, agreeing to play with the facemask so that she could help the team compete to the best of their ability.  This selfless act showed how much her senior year meant to her but more importantly how much the team meant to her.  It is a story that would be told in the years to come and the coaching staff for miss seeing Number 33 on the court next season.  This year is Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Senior captain, Nora Casey.

 

Most Improved Player
Kat Schencman
At the conclusion of last year’s season, the coaching staff met with Kat Schencman to discuss what would be in store for her during her junior year.  The coaching staff challenged her by asking her to expand her game at both ends of the court.  This challenge was accepted enthusiastically (which became all things associated with Kat) and Kat completely changed her game.  Not only did she improve on her outside shooting, but Kat was able to help the offense in a number of ways by leading the team in free throws made, becoming a more consistent post player and improving on her ability to get to the basket.  With an overall offensive game, accompanied by her defensive prowess, the coaching staff is excited for what is to come next season! This year’s Most Improved Player is Junior captain, Kat Schencman

 

Most Valuable Player
Jessica Paprocky
This year’s Most Valuable Player is junior captain, Jessica Paprocky.  After a successful sophomore year on the varsity level, Jessica came to the coaching staff asking what she can do in the off-season to prepare for her junior year.  At that time, the coaching staff issued her a challenge; the team needed a point guard and Jessica would need to learn a new position over the summer.  Not only did she graciously accept this challenge but she excelled in it!  Jessica became a constant fixture on the team by running the offense, breaking the press, and being a focal point on defense.  Logging the most minutes throughout the season, Jessica led the team in total points, assists and steals.  The coaching staff cannot wait to see what lies in store for Jessica in her final year in a Firebird jersey. This year’s Most Valuable Player is Junior captain, Jessica Paprocky.

All League & Other Award Recipients
Jessica Paprocky, Kat Schencman
– – – – – – – – – – –

Varsity Swimming and Diving
The Swimming and Diving team can only be described by the word historic this season. The team finished with a 5 and 4 record to maintain it’s position in the “A” Division for 4 years in a row and finished 5th place out of 18 teams in the CHSAA (both firsts in program history). They had 97 personal best swims at our Championships, 5 state qualifiers, 2 top 15 divers in the league, and did so with the smallest team in recent years. The team was historic for more than just it’s accolades, however. This team worked, and fought, and bonded like no team this coaching staff has seen before. They weren’t perfect, but they worked to be. Each practice, each meet, was an opportunity for this incredible team to prove just how good they were. With the winning culture established by each member of this incredible senior class, the team learned the keys to success through the hard work they put in each and every lap of their 13 week season. The program will certainly miss these amazing seniors, but they know they will experience this same level of success in the seasons to come because of their pure desire to be the best they can be. This coaching staff could not be more proud of you all, and congratulations on another incredible season.

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Matt Ragusa
Matt was the definition of commitment for this season. Never missing a practice, set, or lap throughout the season, he not only pushed himself but his entire team every time he entered the pool. He challenged his teammates constantly, only desiring to get the best out of them and putting the success of the Firebirds at the forefront of his priorities. Matt did not swim year-round, but you would never know it by his ability to stay with and beat his teammates and opponents who did. Matt strived to achieve his goals, but always put his team first, even swallowing his pride enough to accept not being placed on a State relay, because he knew it wasn’t the best choice for the team. Matt is very deserving of this award and his commitment and resilience are his defining characteristics.

 

Most Improved Player
Sophia Bellocco
Sophia had never dove competitively prior to this year, but picked it up as if she had been doing so for years. She not only learned 11 dives in her first year, coming in with 0, but she also placed top 15 in the league. She worked hard each and every practice, approaching the sport with no fear and a willingness to learn and succeed. Sophia is an incredible talent, and with all the success she saw in her first year, it is only a wonder to how good she will be next year.

 

Most Valuable Player
Ryan Nunez
Ryan is by far the most talented swimmer Kellenberg has ever seen, qualifying and swimming in the state championship all 4 years, winning multiple events at the CHSAA championships and finished top 8 at States in every event he swam for the past 2 years. This year he set a CHSAA league record in the 100 butterfly that has been standing since 2018. He is also one of the best leaders on the team, serving as captain his senior year and lead his teammates into the success Kellenberg has experienced this year. Ryan has been one of the main reasons Kellenberg swimming has completely shifted in the past 4 years and is arguably one of the most talented athletes at the school, certainly the most talented I have ever coached.

All League & Other Award Recipients
Peter Gentilini, Christian Mollica, Sebastian Mora, Ryan Nunez, Zachari Zegadlo
Ryan Nunez – Jack Kennedy Outstanding Career Award

– – – – – – – – – – –

Cheerleading
This Winter Cheerleading season was a roller coaster ride of injuries, routine changes, and group adjustments that kept this team very busy for months. But because of their willingness to adapt, open mind, and will power we were able finish this season in a way that we couldn’t be more proud of. With 11 seniors determined to be better than last year, 9 juniors and 3 sophomores excited for their time on Varsity, it was immediately evident that this team was willing to put the work in to be great. Coach Lastig and I were so impressed with the determination that this team showed from the very beginning of our competitive season. In November we traveled to Trenton, New Jersey to secure a bid to Nationals. Throughout December and January, the girls earned first and second place finishes at CHSAA Regional competitions. With grueling practices, cheering on the boys Varsity basketball team at games, and competing locally, this team took every opportunity they could to make themselves better. Our Nationals experience started with our preliminary performance. Out of 20 Medium D1 teams from all over the country, Kellenberg finished 6th in prelims, our highest Nationals placement ever, moving them onto semis. But with one minor mistake at semis, we did not advance. Regardless, this team achieved their goal of a successful Nationals experience and moved on to day two which only a hand full of Long Island teams were able to accomplish. And one week later, all the hard work and determination this team showed since August paid off with not just one but two CHSAA State Championships in the Medium Varsity and Large Game Day divisions. We are so proud of what this team was able to accomplish and commend you on all of our hard work. Coach Lastig and I know that it wasn’t easy! And to our parents and families, thank you for traveling all over the Tri State area and to Florida to support our girls. It is so humbling to know that through all of the highs and lows of this season, you were supporting us every step of the way. Congratulations to all of you on this impressive season!

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Jenna McGuinness
The Varsity most committed cheerleader award goes to a young lady who has always made Kellenberg Cheerleading one of her top priorities. She has a great work ethic and a positive attitude at each and every practice. She is one of the strongest backspots on the team and is always pushing herself and others to be better. She’s always ready to work with a smile on her face and we commend her for commitment to the betterment of herself and the team at practice each day.

 

Most Improved Player
Adrianna Alfieri
The most improved Varsity cheerleader is a girl that has worked extremely hard in improving herself in all aspects of cheerleading. She has become one of the best flyers on our team and we are very confident in her stunting abilities. We have seen great improvement in her jumps as well as her tumbling. We are very happy to have this opportunity to recognize how far she has come as a cheerleader and we can’t wait to watch you continue to grow in the coming years!

 

Most Valuable Player
Juliana Giachetti
This season’s MVP is a cheerleader who has been a true asset to our program for the past four years. Her strength and skill set have been extremely valuable and played an enormous part in the success of our team. She is an all-around cheerleader with strong stunting skills and phenomenal tumbling. It has been a pleasure to watch this young lady master the sport of cheerleading and she will truly be missed. 

All League & Other Award Recipients
Giavonna DeBono, Erin Brown, Maggie O’Sullivan

– – – – – – – – – – –

Boys Varsity Basketball
The coaching staff is very proud of this year’s boys varsity basketball team. They came into the season as individual pieces, returners were not accustomed to playing game minutes, and newcomers hadn’t played basketball in two years or were tasked with getting adjusted to varsity expectations. With that said, it would be inappropriate to reflect on the season for a win-loss record. The team spent 3.5 months together getting better every day. The coaching staff judged our season off of the progress we made. Through the highs and lows of a long, dark, cold season the team always stuck together and remained coachable.

 

We were competitive throughout the year as we lost 9 games by single digit margins. They battled on the road vs Saint John the Baptist, at the time the number 2 ranked team on Long Island, and lost the game by one possession. The team was able to to represent the Catholic league in a positive way by winning in the Catholic-Public challenge. They also beat a strong Fordham Prep team, who is advancing in the Catholic City playoffs,  during the Crotty Classic. The team showed its true potential in a dominating home playoff win over Saint Marys and eventually fell short to the league runner up Saint Anthonys. 

 

Off of the court, the team represents the program in the right way. There were no disciplinary concerns in school, each team member was involved with activities, and 11 of the 13 members were on the Honor Roll. They volunteered their time at Stella Maris with Brother Mike as they decorated the retreat house for the Christmas season. They attended Mass together and grew in their Faith. The fine young men of the Varsity basketball team were recognized as the James Greene Sportsmanship Award recipients, voted on by the referees in Nassau County, which is the most coveted recognition on Long Island.

 

We would like to thank the parents, Mr. Fechtmann, and the Administration for all of the support during the season. We also wish much success to our senior players as they move on to the next chapters of their lives. Thank you.

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Devin Page
Devin, a UPENN football commit who has not played basketball since Freshmen year, was a true leader amongst his teammates. He worked tirelessly every practice, encouraged his teammates, and could be counted on for a variety of difficult assignments. His commitment and leadership are sure to bring him much success as he continues his academic and athletic career in the Ivy Leage.

 

Most Improved Player
Thomas Jack
Thomas started his Varsity campaign as a player who needed to improve to see playing time in games. His hard work and dedication lead him to become the starting point guard for the second half of the season. His basketball skill allowed us to improve collectively as a group as the year progressed and he became a player we depended on to lead us.

 

Most Valuable Player
Sean Cannon
Sean is a coach’s dream. He leads by example and only needs to be corrected once. He had not played organized basketball since his freshmen year, but his athletic ability made him stand out amongst his competition. As the year progressed and Sean became acclimated to the game, he was a force to be reckon with. He had many double-digit scoring games and was always tasked with defending the opposing team’s best player. Sean’s maturity, competitiveness, and hard work will be sure to lead him to much success in the future.

All League & Other Award Recipients
Sean Cannon
James Greene Sportsmanship Award

 

– – – – – – – – – – –

Varsity Ice Hockey
“The Varsity Ice Hockey Team had a successful regular season this year winning 15 games and only losing 3. We scored, as a team, 119 goals in 18 games this season; for a hockey team, that’s alot of goals. We had some memorable wins this year especially up in Whiteplains at Ebersol rink on a foggy and snowy Sunday night where Jack Crotty scored the game winning goal with 2 seconds left on the clock in a hard fought 3-2 win over Stepinac.

“The Varsity Ice Hockey Team had a successful regular season this year winning 15 games and only losing 3. We scored, as a team, 119 goals in 18 games this season; for a hockey team, that’s alot of goals. We had some memorable wins this year especially up in Whiteplains at Ebersol rink on a foggy and snowy Sunday night where Jack Crotty scored the game winning goal with 2 seconds left on the clock in a hard fought 3-2 win over Stepinac.

The Firebirds, for the first time since their comeback 5 years ago, bested Xaverian in both regular season games this year. We finished the regular season in third place behind St. Francis Prep, who took first, and Stepinac, who finished in second place. The Firebirds were set to face Stepinac in the first round of the playoffs in a back to back, home and home, best of three series. Game 1 at Ebersol, unfortunately ended in a 3-2 overtime loss. Followed by Game 2, at home, at Cantiague, which did not have a better result. We ended the season with a 5-4 loss in regulation. Both games were well played, back and forth, with solid efforts put forth by both teams. On a positive note, the team as a whole continues to improve, and we look forward to next year where we will continue to work and grow together as a team. “

 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Ben Weissbard
Senior Ben Weissbard led the team this year as our Captain, he was an asset on the ice as well as off the ice. He was a role model to his fellow seniors and to the younger players on the team as well. We, the coaches, asked Ben (a natural forward) to play defense for the team on more than one occasion this season and without hesitation he did his job well. We also knew we could move him through different offensive lines to play with alternating players and we knew we could count on him to adjust quickly and create scoring opportunities for the team. For the past two years, Ben assisted the team with our social media page, posting pictures, game times and results. He was also responsible for securing some terrific team managers who helped with running the score clock and filling out the score sheets. Congratulations Ben on earning the Bernie Ward Award for the ‘22-‘23 Varsity Hockey Season.

 

Most Improved Player
Alex Scioscia
Alex earned this award this year because he put the work in. He was always at practice, usually first on the ice, and ready to go. He was putting the time in off ice as well, working on his shooting and stick handling skills which improved greatly over the course of the season. Alex was another player who had played forward in the past and we asked him to play on defense this year. He was hesitant at first, but made the best of his new position becoming a valuable player on defense. He has a physical style of play which created turn overs that lead to some game winning goals. Great work this year Alex, you are the Most Improved Player on the team.

 

Most Valuable Player
Jack Crotty
Jack Crotty is our most valuable player for the ‘22-‘23 season. He possesses the skill and more importantly the attributes that you would look for in a hockey player and teammate. Yes, he was a stat leader on the team assisting on and scoring many goals this season. However, it was his attitude and demeanor; on and off the ice, that stood out to me. He was quiet and humble. He didn’t take bad penalties. He wouldn’t chirp to the other team and he never had a bad attitude, no matter what happened on the ice. He was not looking to be the center of attention and when he scored a goal he wouldn’t over do it with a flashy “celly”. He played hard and came up big when the team needed it most. Jack was our most valuable player this year and will be a strong leader for the team next year.

All League & Other Award Recipients
Second Team: Defensemen Nicholas Rochefort & Goalie Nicholas Grosso

– – – – – – – – – – –

Varsity Dance

Our winter season can best be summed up in three words: hard work, faith, and family. Hard work is something the Kellenberg Varsity Dance Team knows a lot about. They worked tirelessly to perfect their competition choreography in order to prepare for our local competitions and NDA Nationals. The team not only worked hard at practice but at home as well. They would watch videos of their dances, make corrections for themselves and their teammates, log workouts, and even learned and perfected new choreography. They started to trust that the work that they were all putting in wasn’t just their own, but for the good of the team. They held each other accountable and made sure effort was never being lost. Their dedication to improving not only themselves but the team as a whole was unmatched. This team had faith that the work would be worth it. They had faith not only in their work but in each other. This was an essential part of their journey. Without faith in each other, they never would have been able to accomplish all of their goals. They worked together and truly became a dance family. In becoming a family, this now allowed them to take their dances to the next level which showed throughout the season. At their local competitions, they were able to place in all three of their dances, getting fantastic feedback from the judges. When they got to NDA Nationals in Orlando, Florida this past weekend, they not only made finals in all three dances but also made program history by placing 5th in the entire nation in Small Varsity Hip Hop. To say we are proud of this team is an understatement. We would like to take this moment to thank Mr. Fechtmann and the athletic department for allowing us to go to Nationals and show the nation all the hard work that has been put in all season. We would also like to thank all of our families that came out to support us in Florida and throughout the season. Your support means the world to us and we couldn’t have done it without you. Lastly, we would like to thank each and every one of our dancers for such an amazing season. We are very lucky to have worked with such a dedicated group of young ladies.

Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Leah Tilocca
This season’s Most Committed award goes to a dancer that has been a part of our dance family for the last seven years. She showed her commitment right from the start when she continuously participated in our summer dance camp. Through the camp, we could see how hard working and dedicated she was to her craft. She was always the first one ready and eager to learn new choreography and skills to improve herself. Seven years have passed and this has not changed. At practice, she consistently is the team member to be ready and willing to learn something new. She motivates her fellow team members to have a positive attitude while exemplifying hard work. During our competition season, she would constantly be focused and zoned in on all of her dances to improve herself and the team. As involved as she is in school activities and academics, she shows just as much commitment and hard work on the Varsity Dance Team. This program has been lucky to have her and we know that because of the young woman she has become, her future is extremely bright. This season’s Most Committed Award goes to Senior, Leah Tilocca.

 

Most Improved Player
Susan Entenmann
This season’s Most Improved Player Award goes to a dancer who exemplifies what it means to work hard and be a true member of the team. Throughout the season, she put in time and effort to work on her skills and improve her technique. She takes corrections by using them to better her dance abilities. She has been a consistent worker both in and out of the practice room. At practice she is always finding ways to better not only herself, but her teammates as well. She goes out of her way to work with her teammates to help them grow as dancers while also working on herself. It is clear that her skills have developed throughout the season, and she has turned into an even better dancer. She has gained the respect of her teammates and the coaching staff through her commitment to the program. This season’s Most Improved Player Award goes to Junior, Susan Entenmann.

 

Most Valuable Player
Nicole Whitacre
This season’s Most Valuable Award goes to a senior that embodies the values and consistently promotes the success of the Kellenberg Dance Program. She has matured throughout her time on the Varsity Dance Team and has become such a strong leader for the team. At practice, she is always motivating her team to work harder and improve. She continuously works on her own skills and tries to enhance her dancing abilities for the betterment of the team. Being a senior, she is a beautiful example of what it means to grow and mature during her time on the team. During our competition season, she was an essential member of the team because of her continued commitment to this program. Through her work ethic, she is able to keep the team grounded and focused on a common goal. These are qualities she has gained over time and truly worked hard on to become the strong young woman she is today. She has achieved a great deal in this program, and we are sad to see her leave, but know she will continue to do great things. This season’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to Senior, Nicole Whitacre.