Gridiron gratitude

Sullivan West football banquet honors 7-2 campaign and looks forward to another great run in 2010

By RICHARD A. ROSS

ROSCOE, NY — When you set the bar as high as the Sullivan West football program has done since the inception of the merged school district in 2000, the expectations are always great.

And rightly so.

After all, Sullivan West has won four Section 9 titles in the past decade, including a three-peat from 2004-2006, with one of those in Class B and the rest in Class C. The Westies have been in the playoffs every year since 2004, losing the 2007 title to Tri-Valley and the 2008 crown to Ellenville. This year’s semifinal loss to Liberty was a stunning blow to a team that many expected to challenge Ellenville to reclaim the title.

But football mirrors life, as this writer said, as part of the awards banquet at the Rockland House.

“Since I’ve been on the Sullivan West sidelines starting in 2002, I’ve seen nothing but championship caliber football. And though many people expressed their disappointment following the loss to Liberty, there’s no way you can describe a 7-2 season as unsuccessful. That said, to achieve a greater level of success requires an unbridled commitment that is year round and focused.” Following a DVD production of this year’s best still shots by this photographer, senior defensive end standout Mike Schmidt, a first team Section 9 Class C All-Star and the team’s sack leader, spoke.

Schmidt expressed his ardent respect and admiration for coach Bauer and the coaching staff. “It’s all about the love,” he said.

He talked about never giving up and “how those times define you.” Quoting Bauer, Schmidt reminded the underclassmen, “You play like you practice. Don’t take coach Bauer’s immense knowledge for granted.”

Bauer praised the team’s efforts. “We wanted to be the best and we lost some fine athletes last year, but others stepped up and filled their shoes.” He emphasized the need for next year’s team to lift weights to enhance their strength and conditioning and to believe. “If you don’t do the job, you don’t deserve to win,” he said.

The team rushed 341/2475 yards averaging 8.4 yards per carry. They scored 31 touchdowns. Quarterback Ryan Alsdorf was the second leading scorer in Class C with 86 points. SW racked up 19 passing touchdowns.

Fullback Chris Murphy was named Honorable Mention to the Class C all-stars. He won the team’s Ironman Award. Austin Erlwein was the team’s leading rusher. Artie Norden was chosen as a first team Class C All-Star and, along with Mark Tesseyman, will represent Sullivan West on the All-Section 9 team. Mark Tesseyman was cited as the team’s most consistent player.

Latti Rabii received Honorable Mention status on the All-Star team. Gabe LaGrutta was cited for his versatility at playing tackling, center and defensive end, and defensive tackle Mike Bingay was commended for his hard work in practice.

Ryan Alsdorf was the team’s leading rusher and passed for more than 600 yards. Bauer thanked his coaching staff of Kurt Buddenhagen, JP Lang, Anthony Durkin and former All-American and arena football standout Norm Bauer. He offered thanks to the Gridiron Club and to the many individuals who lent their support to the team.

Coach Durkin lauded the efforts of the junior varsity team.

The evening concluded with great video highlights provided by Michelle Mootz. Mootz provided copies of the highlights to the players.

Visit sportsinsightsny.com for an album of photos from the evening.