OBHS Athletes Excel In And Out Of Classrooms

Written by Donna Duffy Wednesday, 12 December 2012 13:29

After the last goal has been scored and championships have been won or lost in a season, statistics are relegated to history and coaches look ahead to next year. There is one statistic that lives on and is perhaps the most important of all, that is the GPA‘s of the athletes. At the end of each season, each team takes an average of the GPA’s of all students on the roster.

If the team average GPA is 90 percent or better, the team earns a Scholar/Athlete Award. In the 2012 Fall Sports Season, all but one of the teams garnered the average GPA to merit Team Scholar Athlete Awards. The football team had an average team GPA of 89.92 percent. They missed by eight one hundredths of a percent.

The girls tennis team led the way with a team average GPA of 95.620 percent. The Field Hockey Team was a close second at 95.544 percent followed by the Girls Soccer Team with 95.249 percent.  Girls Cross Country came in at 94.151 percent and the Boys Cross Country followed at 93.774 percent. The Nassau County Champion Volleyball Team combined for an average GPA of 93.719 percent and the Boys Soccer Team registered an average GPA of 90.734 percent. All of these teams were involved in post season play which shows that their performance on the field was equally as impressive as their performance in the classroom proving the old adage, “The more you do, the more you can do.”

Many individual athletes distinguished themselves this season.  The coaches would like to recognize the efforts of these outstanding athletes.

Coaches Comments

Coach Tim Brady had this to say, “The Boys’ Soccer team recognizes Jason Velasquez.  Jason is a senior co-captain and a three year varsity starter that has played as a forward, mid-fielder, and defender depending on the team’s needs. He is an unselfish player, with a ‘team-first attitude’ and an excellent leader that has earned the respect of his teammates and opposing teams in the conference.  Jason is among the leaders in the conference and in Nassau County in scoring with four goals and three assists.”

Girls Varsity Tennis Coach Fred Sperber said, “Senior, tri-captain, Julia Bassin can only be described as a coach’s dream.  She’s the first one at practice and most often the last to leave.  

“This is Julia’s 4th year  as a varsity tennis player and it’s arguably been her most successful.  In addition to tennis, Julia is a member of the varsity fencing and badminton teams.

“But Julia’s athletic achievements are eclipsed by her compassionate and giving personality.  She is a member of five extracurricular school clubs as well as being a member of three academic honor societies.  With the little free time at her disposal, she also devotes significant time and energy to several community projects,” explained Coach Sperber.

Coach Kevin Cotter praises “The Boys’ Cross Country Athlete Teddy Hamlin is a true leader, who never lets his teammates down.  A state qualifier in Cross Country in 2011, he has been the first finisher for the Baymen in the Sands Point Invitational, and the team’s first league meet against Seaford, Carle Place and Island Trees.  The only senior currently in the team’s top 7, Teddy is an inspiring his younger teammates to commit themselves to excellence.  Teddy hopes his teammates follow his example and remain dedicated to the team until they graduate,” said Mr. Cotter.

Field Hockey Coach Morgan Cestari extolls Hannah Kaiser, a junior center forward.  He said, “Hannah is one of the leading goal scorers in Nassau County and in the top 5 for total points in all of Long Island.  She has had a game high of 4 goals in two consecutive games.  Hannah was also named Player of the Week by Newsday.  She has helped the Oyster Bay Varsity Field Hockey team in each contest as a persistent threat on the forward line and continues to assist in the winning of games.  In addition to her statistics, Hannah is also successful in the classroom and brings a fun attitude and passion for field hockey to the field,” said Mr. Cestari.

Coach Phil Goldberg said, “Defender Marissa Venuto is a two-year captain on the Girls’ Soccer Team.  Last year she was one of the most improved players on the team.  This year she carried on her defensive aggressiveness and provided team leadership on and off the field.  

“Marissa was rewarded by opposing coaches in our conference with the All Class Award.  In addition she was also the recipient of the Scholar Athlete Award,” said Mr. Goldberg.

Cross Country Coach Kevin Cotter praises junior Aubri Juhasz, who he said, “Qualified for the New York State Championships held in Buffalo, New York.  After qualifying in 2011, Aubri was unable to run due to illness.  This year she was the lone member of the girls’ team to qualify, placing 120th in the girls’ Class C race.”

Coach Joe Knoll said, “The Varsity Football Team recognizes Ki-Jana Walker-Michel as its Athlete of the Month.  Ki-Jana is a senior co-captain and a two-year starter that has played as a running back, receiver, corner back and special team’s player.  He played wherever the team needed him and excelled at all the positions.  Ki-Jana led the team in rushing with 656 yards, all-purpose yards with 826 yards and was the scoring leader with 38 points.  He was the leading rusher in 6 out of our 8 games and had the longest run of the season of 79 yards for a touchdown.  

“He was a good captain, an excellent leader that has earned the respect of both his teammates and opposing teams’ players.  Ki- Jana hopes his teammates will follow his example and remain dedicated to the team until they graduate,” commented Mr. Knoll.

And finally, the Nassau County Champion Coach Erin Murcott said, “Caroline Kelly has been a consistent defensive force for the 15-2 County Champion Lady Baymen Volleyball team this season.  Caroline is a noticeable presence on the court, not only because of her different uniform, but because of her ability to come up with big plays when needed.  As libero (a defensive specialist position in indoor volleyball), Caroline averages 17 digs per match along with four aces per match.  Caroline’s work ethic in practice and games is among the best.  She has never missed a practice, always gives 100 percent, and is a positive influence on her teammates.”