Sleepy Hollow Athletic Director Chuck Scarpulla feels it's important that the athletes at his school are honored for the hard work they put into their seasons.
That's why the high school hosted its annual varsity sports awards dinner Tuesday at the Double Tree Hotel in Tarrytown.
"We want to let them feel part of an athletic tradition, pride and for a job well done," Scarpulla said. "We'd like to thank them and show them the respect and accolades that they deserve. We are proud of our athletes, win or lose."
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Each varsity athlete was called up to the podium by their coaches for recognition and received a well deserved applause from the crowd that packed the room. The night was highlighted by the senior athlete of the year award.
The senior male athlete of the year was won by Peter DelMonaco, who played football, wrestling and lacrosse. DelMonaco particularly starred in wrestling, where he was a four-time all-league and all-section selection.
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"A lot of important people in my life have won this award," DelMonaco said. "Connor Tompkins, Ryan Tompkins, sons of the man who just gave me this award, wrestling coach Brian Tompkins. It's pretty special to me. I thought about winning this award when I was younger but I never thought it would happen."
Winning the senior female athlete of the year was Kelly Bender, who played golf, basketball and soccer. She was all-section in golf and this weekend (June 11-13) will be participating in the state tournament at SUNY-Delhi.
"Winning this award is special to me," Bender said. "I have been playing sports my whole life. It means a lot that my school would give me this award."
DelMonaco will attend SUNY-Cortland next year and will either wrestle or play football upstate. Bender will go to the University of Tennessee where she will try to walk on with the golf team and if that doesn't pan out play it as a club sport.
Maddy McGovern and L.J. Garrant were named rookies of the year; Jessica Bucci and Joseph Scarpati earned the unsung hero award; and Daniel Kaplan and Alexis Bateman were recipients of the Rotary Club Jack McCleery Sportsmanship award.
Being named to the Superintendent's awards were Scarpati, Bender, DelMonaco, Kaplan, Marta Baran, John Bucci, Jessica Bucci, Tauress Campbell, Alex Milhaven, Weston Murphy, Kathleen Perez, Jason Ruivo, Rebecca Sutherland and Edison Tenesaca.
While the above were all deserving of their awards, the person that received the biggest ovation that brought the house down was Pioneer League member Tommy Kennedy, who won the Medals of Miracles award, an award that is given in memory of Marybeth McGuire Adrus, for her dedication, kindness, compassion and friendship.
What spoke volumes to how important the night is to the community at Sleepy Hollow is that Jennifer Angevine, who this spring became Sleepy Hollow's first 100-goal scorer in girls lacrosse, turned down an invitation to the all-section dinner at the same time so she could instead celebrate with her teammates.
"There is specialness at Sleepy Hollow," Scarpulla said. "The kids love being with each other. They love being here. She thought it was more important to be with her teammates and friends than to be at the all-section lacrosse dinner. That certainly attests to her character."
