Monticello Senior Athletic Awards

Panthers honor 2005-06 outstanding athletes

Cooper garners Mayor’s Cup

By RICHARD A. ROSS

MONTICELLO, NY - Despite the gloomy weather, the stars were out and shining at Monticello’s annual senior athletic awards banquet held at Carpenito’s Restaurant on June 8.

In the course of the evening, athletes from the fall, winter and spring seasons were acknowledged and celebrated. The awards culminated in the presentation of the Mayor’s Trophy by Monticello Mayor Jim Barnicle. Former village Mayor John Diguid initiated the coveted award in 1981. Basketball standout Brad Cooper was chosen as this year’s recipient.

Cooper, the Sullivan County Player of the Year and a first team Times-Herald Record All-Star, electrified the enthusiastic Panther crowd with his play. His coach, Dick O’Neill, acknowledged Cooper’s tremendous innate talent and cited his dedication and work ethic as well. Cooper helped lead the Panthers to the Division III title this year.

At the outset of the evening, after welcoming the athletes, coaches and parents, athletic director Ken Garry turned the microphone over to superintendent Eileen Casey. After her illustrious career of 37 years, Casey will be retiring this summer. During her tenure, she has been a staunch supporter of athletics.

Casey told the students that “athletics has contributed to the person you have become.” In assessing the importance of athletics, Casey cited the value of setting goals and developing a plan to achieve them, the importance of belief in oneself and the rewards of persistence.

Coach Evan Williams, a 41-year veteran known affectionately as “the voice of Monticello basketball,” announced the senior coach’s awards given to one member of each varsity team that exemplifies the highest standard of school service, athletic performance, integrity and sportsmanship.

This year’s recipients were Marisela Acevedo, girls indoor track; Jeffrey Brinkk, boys soccer, Alexis Brinkerhoff, girls golf; Alexis Bruno, baseball; Emma Cohen, girls cross-country; Brendan Devine, boys cross-country and boys track and field; Rochelle Gibson, girls tennis; George Gilmore, boys golf; Alexandra Gonzales, girls soccer; Keenan Hall, boys indoor track; Desiree Laguna, cheerleading; Ian Laufsweiller, boys alpine skiing; Jackalyn Litwak, softball; Anthony Ng, wrestling; Pollyanna Palhano, volleyball; Iris Robinson, girls basketball; Janelle Slutsky, girls nordic skiing; Kristen Van Hage, girls alpine skiing; Michael Washington, boys basketball; Te’Neshia Washington, girls track and field; and Michael Zadorian, boys tennis.

Douglas Murphy and Arlene Siegel-Lerner introduced scholar athletes. This year’s superintendent’s list cited Mark Blackford, Keenan Hall, Krystian Krol, Desiree Laguna, Meredith Levine, Katherine Mahan, Anthony Ng, Kristen Van Hage and Emily Zier for maintaining a G.P.A. of 3.5 or better. Others who made the Principal’s list with a G.P.A. of 3.0 or better were also honored.

One of the highlights of the annual awards is the presentation of the senior plaques. There are three categories, including a Bachelor of Sport for the attainment of at least three varsity letters, including the senior year; the Master of Sport, which requires at least six varsity letters including the senior year; and the Doctor of Sport, based on at least nine varsity letters including the senior year.

This year’s recipients of the Bachelor of Sport included Carolina Arbelaez, Robert Bittinger, Mark Blackford, Joseph Bonnaci, Eksho Burke, Brad Cooper, Jennifer Kavanaugh, Krystian Krol, Tracyann Leslie, Jackalyn Litwak, Liila Mack, Anthony Ng, Anthony Poli and Todd Sonnennschein.

Masters of Sport included Jeffrey Brink, George Gilmore, Keenan Hall, Desiree Laguna, Meredith Levine, Katherine Mahan, Brittney Morese and Marissa Smithem.

The recipients of this year’s Doctor of Sport were Rachael Huffman with 10 varsity letters, and Kristen Van Hage with nine.

Coaches from each of the school’s 19 sports teams called up their seniors and commented on each player’s contributions this year. It was clear from their comments that this year’s crop of seniors represented their school and their community with exceptional athleticism and sportsmanship. Alhough many coaches referred to the fact that they will greatly miss these fine young men and women, it is a given that the fine tradition of Monticello athletics and scholarship will continue unabated for countless years to come.

Visit riverreportersports.com for an album of photos from the awards banquet.