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.
Varsity Baseball: Most Valuable Player
Coming off an elbow injury after his junior season, the coaching staff was unsure as to what they would be able to get out of senior pitcher John Carroll. As an All-League reliever last year, John was ready to assume the role he excelled in last year. However, after the team got off to a slow start, the coaching staff approached John to inquire about a new role: starting pitcher. At the time, John had never started a game for the Firebirds in his previous three years in the program but without hesitation, John willing accepted the challenge. Not only was this challenge accepted, but John turned into one of the most dominant starters in the league, compiling a 2-0 record, a 2.25 earned run average while striking out forty-four batters. John’s season could be summed up in what would be his final game as a Firebird; after taking a line drive off his knee in the first inning of opening round playoff game, John led his team to victory with a memorable performance striking out a career-best ten batters. As an All-League pitcher, John Carroll certainly left his mark on Firebird Baseball for years to come. This year’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to senior, John Carroll.
