High School Athletes Receive Awards and Scholarships At Banquet

The Patchogue-Medford senior athletic Banquet was recently held at the Mediterranean Manor. The crowd of approximately 300 people, mostly student-athletes and their families, enjoyed the evening and waited patiently to hear the announcement of the high school's most prestigious senior awards.

The Fathers' Club for Patchogue-Medford School Sports is a parent organization that serves to honor and recognize all senior student-athletes at this annual awards dinner. The group also presents scholarships and awards to graduating senior athletes and provides additional financial support to the high school athletic department.

"We have been holding this dinner at the Mediterranean Manor for over 15 years," said Frank Fran, president of the Fathers' Club. He explained that they invited all of the senior athletes, coaches and school administration to this event and the committee working on it does a great job.

Most student-athletes participated in more than one sport, however, all student-athletes received one honorable high school plaque for their achievements not only as a senior, but as a high school athlete participant at Patchogue-Medford High School.

Dr. Randy E. Rusielewicz, Principal of Patchogue-Medford High School, addressed the audience with a few kind words. "I'd like to wish the students great success in their future endeavors," he said.

There are 27 varsity sport teams at Pat-Med High School and130 senior athletes compile a major part of the athletic success of the high school, amounting to two league champions and 18 of the 30 teams qualifying for the playoffs this year. There were 16 all-county athletes this year as well. It was an outstanding year for Pat-Med High School sports, and thus, the Father's Club Senior Athletic Banquet couldn't have been more rewarding for these young athletes who will soon move on to bigger and better things with their futures.  Some of which will endure college schedules at schools as impressive as Hofstra, Pace, C.W. Post and Yale.

Not all senior athletes were able to make it, however, all 27 varsity teams were recognized before the crowd and honored with plaques given to them by members of the Fathers' Club. As they were introduced by their individual coaches, each athlete's smile was contagious for the entire crowd and their families that where watching.

Athletic director Thomas Combs hosted the majority of the night, lightening the mood for the crowd as he thanked everyone for being there, and introduced the coaches of the teams to celebrate. Eighteen coaches for the 27 teams shared words for each of their athletes,.

After the awards, a special ceremony took place rewarding titles given out to a select few student-athletes. Senior Garret March of the boy's soccer, winter track and lacrosse teams seemed to be walking up to the podium many times, and it was no stopping him from coming up four more times for the special awards as he was honored for the Gold Key, Athlete Scholar, Dellecave, and Outstanding Student Athlete.

All Pat-Med student-athletes should be proud of their accomplishments. This should be a stepping stone for them and their families, as the Father's Club has helped them celebrate all of their great times and successes as young men and women, as young athletes, and as young Pat-Med students.