On Wednesday, May 22, the Spring Athletic Awards Banquet was held at Kellenberg Memorial to honor the varsity athletes of the 2019 spring season. Awards were given for most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team. The Most Improved Player Award is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills which contributed to the success of their team. The Bernie Ward Commitment Award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season. The Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.
Girls Varsity Softball: Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Junior, Katie Hand began the season as the starting third baseman. As the season wore on, the coaching staff decided to test another player at that position which required Katie to play a brand new position in the infield. Although she never expressed or showed her disappointment, the coaches knew it existed. Despite the move, Katie has emerged as a talented second basemen who learned the intricacies of the position within two weeks. Likewise, Katie spent the summer months working on her mental game reading about an athlete’s training in mental management. The summer commitment to time in reading and study enabled her to remain consistent as a hitter all year, batting .452 which is approximately 140 points higher than last season. For her continual commitment to the welfare of the team and not personal goals, Katie Hand is this year’s 2019 Varsity Softball Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner!
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Varsity Baseball: Most Improved Player
After hitting only .219 as a junior, Andrew Cascio worked tirelessly all offseason to put himself into the best possible shape heading into his final season as a Firebird. As the year played out and with a new aggressive approach at the plate, Andrew became one of the best hitters in the Catholic League. As an All-League player, Andrew ranked among the league leaders in batting average (.349), hits (22) and stolen bases (11) and was tied for the team lead with 14 runs scored and 13 batted in. Furthermore, Andrew improved defensively, playing both 2nd base and left field for the team this season. Most importantly, Andrew’s worth ethic served as a great example to future Firebirds who will one day wear his jersey. This year’s Most Improved Player is senior Andrew Cascio.
