Student Athletes Balance Studies and Sports in the Caldwells

West Essex High School senior athletes Shannon Bertscha of Roseland and Roberto LoCascio of Fairfield were named Essex County Scholar Athletes at the “Essex County Athletic Director Association Karen Fuccello Scholar Athlete Awards” on May 12.

Each school in Essex County nominates a male and female winner based upon successes and achievements in the classroom.

West Essex Director of Athletics Anthony Minnella congratulated Shannon and Roberto for receiving this prestigious award and representing West Essex.

“After completing stellar careers in three separate sports at West Essex, Roberto will continue his lacrosse career at Villanova while Shannon will play collegiate lacrosse at Cornell,” Minnella stated.

According to a release, Roberto was the captain of the football, wrestling and lacrosse teams this year and has participated in these Varsity sports for all four years at West Essex High School.

During the basketball season, Varsity Basketball player and senior Shannon Bertscha scored 1000 career points at a game against University High School on January 22. Then at the end of the basketball team’s 17-10 season where it won the Holiday Tournament and made it to the State Sectional Semi-Finals in Group 3, Shannon broke the West Essex High School Girls’ Basketball Scoring record with 1,217 points. Shannon was a co-captain of the team.

According to a release, Shannon was also honored at National Girls and Women in Sports Day on February 1 as part of the NJSIAA 29th Anniversary celebration at Seton Hall University. Shannon also plays field hockey and lacrosse.

Photo courtesy of Allison Freeman

Pictured above: Shannon Bertscha of Roseland, left, and Roberto LoCascio of Fairfield.

Send Caldwell area news tips to eric.kiefer@patch.com