Top Dawgs

By RICHARD A. ROSS

rross@sportsinsightsny.com

LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — Fall weather is still with us but for Sullivan West athletes, the autumn sports season is at an end. In celebration of its teams, athletes, parents, coaches and school administrators gathered in the school theatre for the Falls Sports Awards Presentation on November 19.

This writer spoke about the enduring values engendered by sports. A musical slide show followed suit that presented a visual chronicle of fall sports highlights. Coaches, prior to their presentation of awards, recounted details of the season’s milestones.

Girls cross-country coach George Shakelton named Rachel Deppa as The Most Improved Runner. The Most Valuable Runner was Rianne Erlwein, based on her leadership, dual meet finishes and postseason performance. Erlwein led in nine races, and made her fifth state appearance in five years.

Boys cross-country coach George Rose named. Shaughn Goggin as The Most Improved Runner. The Most Valuable Runner was Reed Scott.

Girls varsity soccer coach Mike Ellmauer named senior Sarah Shirdon Miss All-Around Soccer 2009. The Most Valuable Girls Soccer Player award went to senior Katrina Graby, a four-year veteran. Volleyball coach Cliff Kelly named junior Brittany Milk as The Most Improved Volleyball Player. The Team Leadership Award went to Danielle Meyer.

Boys varsity soccer coach Debbie Owen presented The Coaches’ Award to Andy Kinch. The Most Valuable Boys Soccer Player was keeper Austin Sauer.

Varsity football coach Ron Bauer talked about the Bulldogs season that ended at 7-2 (6-1 Class C). The team rushed for 2,475 yards and had 31 touchdowns. They passed for 11 TDs. The team got out to a 3-0 start before losing to Ellenville by dint of turnovers. They went on to win the rest of their games before losing 17-13 to Liberty in the playoff semifinals. Bauer praised the efforts of senior Artie Norden for being a great tackler and receiver, Gabe Lagrutta for being a very consistent player, Chris Murphy, whose role at fullback involved his giving his all, Latti Rabii for his speed, Mike Schmidt for his defensive verve and sacks and Mark Tesseyman for being the team’s most consistent blocker.

The Most Improved Football Player was Norden, cited by Bauer as a great downfield blocker and a fine receiver. Norden played the last four games with a broken hand. The Outstanding Lineman was Tesseyman, the team’s best blocker.

Visit sportsinsightsny.com for more details about the fall teams and their accomplishments, as well as comments by the coaches and an album of photos.