2019 Winter Athletic Awards

Posted on March 15, 2019 by

Dan DiBella Posted in Clark Monthly, Our Publications

(above) 2019 Winter Athletic G.P.A. Challenge winner, the Girls’ Track & Field.

On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, the Arthur L. Johnson Athletic Department held their 2018 – 2019 Winter Athletic Awards. The evening, sponsored by the Crusader Athletic Booster Club, was held in the ALJ Auditorium.

All the Winter Athletic Teams and their seasons were highlighted by their coaches while handing out letters and awards to the student athletes. Over 188 varsity athletic letters were handed out throughout the evening, as participation in athletics at ALJ High School continues to grow.

The program continued with the Student Athlete Award, which was presented by the Principal of ALJ High School, Mrs. Jennifer Feeley. The Student Athlete Award is given out each athletic season to a student athlete that is not only a champion on the field, but in the classroom as well. The 2018-2019 Winter Student Athlete award recipient was Matthew Alongi.

In addition, the Crusader G.P.A. Challenge was awarded to the team that finishes with the highest overall G.P.A. amongst athletic teams for the winter season. The recipients was presented with certificates, had their team memorialized on a plaque, and will be invited for a “Breakfast with the A.D.” to celebrate their actions both in the classrooms and on the fields. The G.P.A. Challenge for the winter season was awarded to the Crusader Girls’ Track and Field Team with a G.P.A. of 3.852. The following members of the Girls’ Track and Field Team were named G.P.A. Challenge winners: Paige Kelly, Natalya Torres, Katherine Fitzharris, Julia Kalynchuk, Nicole Randazza, America Renteria, Megan Tingfer, Gianna Caldiero, Carly Tarentino, Jasmine Ocasio and Sarah Scepkowski.

The Best Teammate Award will be given out seasonally to one member from each athletic team that best fits the characteristics of a good teammate. The individuals that receive these awards exhibit upbeat attitudes and outstanding character. They helped influence the team’s culture in a positive manner, while always supporting teammates and promoting team unity. The Best Teammate Award Winners were: Boys’ Basketball – Ben Kosiek; Girls Basketball – Cecilia Puentes; Wrestling – Christopher Manning; Ice Hockey – Tommy Gesior; Boys’ Winter Track & Field – Dan Kozak; Girls’ Winter Track & Field – Natalya Torres; Swimming – Dominick Depaz; Bowling – Andrew Bogash; and Cheerleading – Daniela Thompson.

The evening culminated with the announcement of the Team Most Valuable Players. The MVPs were: Boys’ Basketball – Brandon Hund; Girls Basketball – Bailey Rosemeier; Wrestling – Sebastian Iakouchevitch; Ice Hockey – Tyler Mekovitch; Boys’ Winter Track & Field – Jack Delaney; Girls’ Winter Track & Field – Carly Tarentino; Swimming – Andrew Jobson (Boys) & Anna Stolarczyk (Girls); Bowling – Andrew Beach; and Cheerleading – Julianna Rizzuto.

Athletic Director Gus Kalikas, had this to say about the event: “Once again, our Winter Awards Program was a successful evening as it allows the District, Administration, and Coaches the opportunity to acknowledge a wonderful Winter Sports Season as well as recognize both student athletes and their parents alike for all that they have accomplished this past winter athletic season.”