On Tuesday, December 3, the Fall Athletics Awards Banquet was held at Kellenberg Memorial High School to honor the varsity athletes 2019 fall season. Awards were given for most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team.
Jake Cosgrove, Bernie Ward Commitment Award, Boys Varsity Soccer
Over the last two seasons, Jake has been the most consistent defender on our team. What makes Jake special is his work ethic and his mental fortitude when facing any adversity. When his fellow teammate and captain suffered a season-ending injury, Jake took his captainship to a whole other level. Jake never missed a single game in his varsity career, even when playing on an injured ankle this entire season. Jake truly epitomizes what this prestigious award is about. We are proud of his accomplishments in his career.
Find out what's happening in Wantagh-Seafordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Isabella Cascone, Most Valuable Player, Varsity Dance Team
This dancer has been on the dance team since her freshman year, and we knew she would be a special young woman. From the start of her dance career, it was clear that she would be one of our most dedicated and strongest dancers. She possesses excellent leadership skills and is always willing to assist her teammates with learning new choreography for each dance. Her commitment to the dance program is unwavering. She is at every practice and is always willing to go above and beyond, especially to help her team and coaches. This year’s Most Valuable Player Award goes to Senior Isabella Cascone.
Find out what's happening in Wantagh-Seafordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Katelyn Kirby, Bernie Ward Commitment Award, Varsity Cheerleading
This season’s Bernie Ward commitment award goes to a cheerleader who has fully dedicated herself to the team and gives one hundred and ten percent at each and every practice. She is one of the strongest backspots on the team and is always pushing herself and others to be better. Her positive attitude and humorous personality are contagious to the entire team. She’s always ready to work with a smile on her face, and we commend her for commitment to the betterment of the team at practice each day. The Varsity cheerleading commitment award goes to Katelyn Kirby.
Kristen Dempsey, Bernie Ward Commitment Award, Girls Varsity Tennis B
The most committed player for the Varsity Tennis B Team displayed excellent sportsmanship and always had a smile on her face. All of her teammates loved her and looked to her for guidance. This player enjoyed competitive drills with her teammates and cheered them on as well. Many of the new players learned so much from her because she was so patient and willing to play with anyone who asked her to. What we will remember most about this player is the positive attitude and her determination to be a better player. It was a pleasure to coach this incredible athlete who always puts others before herself. She truly represents what Kellenberg athletics is all about. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Kristen Dempsey. Congratulations Kristen!
Emily Acimovic, Most Valuable Player, Girls Varsity Volleyball
Anyone who stopped into the Kellenberg gym to catch a few of our rallies this year would find their eyes immediately drawn to the long, lean outside hitter who elevated to such incredible heights in an effort to crush the ball to the floor. No doubt, our team was a solid group, but it was Emily Acimovic who helped take us to the next level.
Gifted with a whip of an arm and an extremely high reach, Emily was able to score offensive points for us at will. Regardless of whether she was hitting against two blockers or even three, she found so many ways to thunder the ball to the ground. Throughout the course of the season, Emily worked on her backrow play as well, becoming a primary passer and a point-scoring server.
There were countless times when she found “the zone” and was simply unstoppable at the net. Whether it was the matches vs. public school powerhouses like South Side or Massapequa or our playoff rounds against Sacred Heart or Saint Anthony’s, Emily’s number was the first one called when it came to a much-needed point. Indeed, the entire Catholic league recognized Emily’s contributions by naming her NSCHSGAA’s 2019 Player of the Year.
With great pride, I am pleased to announce that this year’s Most Valuable Player Award is given to senior outside hitter, Emily Acimovic.
