Kellenberg Memorial High School Athletes Win Awards at Spring Athletic Banquet

Kevin Begis (MVP of Freshman Baseball)

Head Freshman Baseball Coach Joseph Beyrouty wrote this of MVP Kevin Begis: “If 71% of the world is covered by water, then the other 29% is covered by Kevin Begis. Kevin had 24 putouts playing centerfield, giving our pitchers the confidence to throw strikes, knowing that anything hit in Kevin’s direction would be caught. He also recorded a few outfield assists, cutting down opponents’ runners, and striking fear in anyone who thought of taking an extra base. When Kevin got up to the plate, there was always the hope that he would make something positive happen. He led the team in RBIs, and was among the team leaders in batting average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage”

Katherine Piorkowski (Bernie Ward Commitment Award of Varsity Softball)

Head coach of the Varsity Softball Team Ken Conrade said this of Katherine. Commitment to a team demands tremendous personal sacrifice, schedule flexibility and mental dedication under ordinary circumstances. When a player experiences personal tragedy and a concussion eliminating her from 3 1/2 weeks of competition, that commitment becomes almost impossible to make. This player managed both of the aforementioned life difficulties and still managed to enter the pitching circle shouldering the tremendous expectations of being the defending NYS Catholic Champs. In the midst of all the confusion she pitched the team to 9 of the 13 wins and she hit in the number 2 spot in the order while dealing with the external and internal distractions. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Senior, Katherine Piorkowski.

Austin Wesch (Most Improved Player of Varsity Tennis)

Head coach Chris Grennen wrote this of Austin. Senior co-captain Austin Wesch is not your typical, polished USTA tournament type player seen so often in our league. He does not have a tennis coach outside of Kellenberg, and he has rarely (if ever) taken a lesson. What he does possess is above average athletic ability and superior footwork developed on the soccer field, which actually is his best sport. At our 3rd singles position, Austin held his own against some of the best players in the NSCHSAA, the highlight being an upset of his St. Anthony’s opponent. Austin has improved in each of his 4 years on Varsity Tennis, and this year is no exception. Congratulations to this year’s Most Improved Player, Austin Wesch.

Ryan Branigan (Most Valuable Player of Varsity Volleyball)

Head coach John Heitner wrote this of Ryan. Ryan has been with the program for the past four years and goes down statistically as the best setter in school history. Coming into today he has 1682 assists, 151 aces, and three all- conferences nominations. However, Ryan did not enter the program with the intentions to be out setter but we were in need of one so he volunteered. His leadership through his play, vocal leadership on the floor, and cool attitude when things got rough allowed him to be the nucleus of this program. He has led the team to a 54-12 record over the past four years which has included three straight finals appearances with two championships. The program is forever grateful to you for your dedication, leadership, and ability to make everyone around you a better player. We all wish nothing but success as you take your talents to Elmira College to continue your volleyball career. Congratulations to the 2015 CHSAA MVP as well as the 2015 Boys Varsity Volleyball MVP Senior Captain Ryan Branigan.

Adam Napolitano (Bernie Ward Commitment Award of Varsity Volleyball)

Adam Napolitano has been with the Volleyball program for four years. Adam is naturally a football player and when he came into the program the coaches were excited about his potential. His development over the past few years especially from last year to this year has been a pleasure to be a part of. Mainly used as a defensive specialist last year Adam wanted a larger role his senior year and he surely responded but always said, “Coach, I’ll do whatever it takes to win and whatever is best for the team”. This team first quality has made Adam the ultimate teammate. He has made an outstanding transition to outside hitter and has become one of our “go to” guys over the last few weeks. The program is forever grateful for your hard work, dedication, and positivity all through your career. We all wish you the best of luck next year in college and the program will miss you. This year’s 2015 Bernie Ward Most Committed Award goes to Senior Captain Adam Napolitano.