Football

Dawgs honored at football banquet

Ackermann chosen as Section IX Class C/D Lineman of the Year; four others make first team and three earn honorable mention

By RICHARD A. ROSS

CALLICOON, NY — In an evening rife with emotion, stirring pictures presented by Bill Moloney, awards and speeches, the Sullivan West Section Nine Class C champion Bulldog football team was lauded for its stellar season and its immense collective heart.

No one represented that enormous determination and courage better than Nick Mootz, who stalwartly faced his own battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma but never abandoned his teammates even though he was unable to play this season.

Mootz was a shining example to the team that dedicated their season to him. Fittingly, they hoisted him on their shoulders when they won their third consecutive Section IX title by defeating Tri-Valley in November.

Coach Ron Bauer and this writer both referred to Mootz, who came up to the podium to express his heartfelt thanks. “I felt devastated to not be able to play. I was a player and I never thought this disease would get in my way,” Mootz said. Though the sophomore lost weight, hair and muscle tone, he realized he was still the same person inside. “I understand the true meaning of teamwork. My teammates never questioned how I looked. I am proud to say I was a member of another great Sullivan West football team.”

Head coach Ron Bauer recapped the season from the early debacle at Delhi through the glorious Section IX title, and the team’s denouement against state champion Dobbs Ferry. “I was very proud of you. You used everything you had and didn’t give up. Next year we need to get to the next level,” he added, referring to the importance of weight lifting.

“Success depends on how you handle things,” Bauer said, referring to the season-ending loss to the Eagles.

Bauer reflected on the words of his high school coach who preached, “football builds character. The same knocks you get on the football field, you’ll get later in life. A man picks himself up and moves on,” Bauer said.

Bauer called up the players who were selected to the Section IX Football Coaches Association (SNFCA) Class C/D First Team All-Stars. Quarterback Jim Moloney was Section IX’s best passer. He completed 89-of-180 passes for 1,604 yards and 17 touchdowns. He carried the ball 50 times for 194 yards for five touchdowns for a total of 22 TDs.

Alan Ackermann was chosen as the Outstanding Defensive Player in the Section IX title game and Class C/D Lineman of the Year. Justin Alsdorf, who Bauer and assistant coach Keith Travers referred to as the team’s most improved player, caught 27 passes for 522 yards with four touchdowns for a 19.3 average on his receptions. Donald Cooper caught 13 passes-for 284 yards with seven TDs. He returned kickoffs for 407 yards and punts for 173 yards.

Brad Reimer was described as a great receiver. His receptions totaled 240 yards with two touchdowns.

Three players were awarded Honorable Mention status by SNFCA. They included sophomore defensive standout John Whittaker, fullback/defensive end Will Schlott and linebacker Tyler Wagner.

Bauer cited the success of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, whose coach Greg Schiano told his players, “You have all the powers you ever dreamed of and no limitation on what you can do. Don’t think you can’t, think you can,” quoted Bauer.

This year’s seniors included Ackermann, Alsdorf, John Dertinger, Jonathan Figueroa, Matt Swendsen, Patrick Knack and Bryan Schmidt. The seniors presented Bauer with a signed football and conveyed thanks.

Appreciation was also in order to the parents in the booster club for the food provided, the rally and the banquet. Bauer commended the press on the fine coverage and thanked cheerleading coaches Nina Verderber and Tara Brey.

Verderber rendered a sterling impression of Bauer and gave an uproariously funny recap of the coach’s progress in his tolerance for cheerleaders.

Booster club president Bonnie Schlott thanked the parents who pitched in this year and noted that next year’s work will begin in March.

Each of the seniors received a framed photo with the seven of them displaying the Section IX trophy and plaque, and all the players received a memento of the season with their name imprinted on it with a picture of Mootz holding the trophy aloft at Dietz Stadium.

On a sadder note, Keith Travers announced his departure from Sullivan West football, citing personal reasons for leaving but reminding the team, “I love you, I believe in you and I’m proud of you.” Travers, known affectionately as “Buddha,” will be sorely missed.

Bauer said that Travers would be hard to replace.

Though the season now drifts into the annals of the past, the memories of what this team accomplished will live on in the photos, the stories and the hearts and minds of the players, the coaches and the community.