Hand-Madison's Rebecca Anderson Named SCC Comeback Player of the Year

Notre Dame-West Haven’s Kobe Wiggins, a Meriden resident, and Rebecca Anderson from Hand-Madison were named the SCC’s “Comeback Players of the Year” for 2016.

Anderson tore her ACL in the fall of 2013 which forced her to miss the 2013-14 gymnastics season.

Her recovery was long and strenuous, but she persevered and returned to the team and was named captain.

Anderson earned All-SCC and All-Area honors during her junior season as the team won the SCC and state championships.

This past season, Anderson captained the team again and earned All-State accolades as the Tigers repeated as SCC and Class M state champions.

“Rebecca is an unselfish person,” Hand gymnastics coach Kelly Smith said. “She could have easily felt sorry for herself, but motivated herself and her teammates and returned to the mat. Her time rehabbing sparked an interest in physical therapy as a career. She is one of the most mature, hard-working and motivated individuals I have had the pleasure of working with.”

Anderson will attend Springfield College and study in its physical therapy program.

Wiggins, who sustained a torn ACL, LCL and meniscus during the first game of the 2014, worked his way back onto the field and was elected captain for the 2015 season.

His return to the field was impressive, leading the Green Knights to the SCC Division I East title and a spot in the Class L semifinals.

For his efforts at running back/linebacker, Wiggins was named All-SCC, All-Area and a Coaches Association Class L All-State honoree.

“Kobe showed a spirit that was contagious, despite being injured,” Notre Dame football coach Tom Marcucci said. “His hard work, successful play and his overall impact on his teammates is remarkable, and will never be underestimated.”

Wiggins will attend Southern Connecticut State University and study pre-law.

A corporate sponsor of the SCC, Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists P.C. has offered a Comeback Player of the Year Scholarship for student-athletes who participated in an interscholastic sport during the 2015-2016 academic year and showed great leadership both on-and-off the field after their severe injury.

Coaches and school’s athletic directors nominated these student-athletes after they each suffered an unfortunate injury that prohibited them from play for their high school teams. Both will receive a financial scholarship to be used for their college education.

"This is our sixth year in awarding student-athletes from the SCC with scholarships,” said Glenn Elia, Chief Executive Officer of COS. “Our goal has been to acknowledge student-athletes who have overcome the challenges of an injury and, through hard work and determination, have become positive role models for their fellow teammates."

SCC Commissioner Al Carbone thanked the doctors and staff at Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists for “their support of the SCC and these scholarships.”

“Our league has many outstanding student-athletes who excel in the classroom and on the playing fields, but it is a tremendous gesture to recognize traits like courage, perseverance and selflessness,” Carbone said.

Pictured, from left to right: Al Carbone, SCC commissioner, Rebecca Anderson, Kobe Wiggins, Glenn Elia, CEO of Connecticut Orthopaedic Specialists (photo by Bill O'Brien / SCC)