District staff and members of the Avon Lions Club recognized senior student athletes for their dedication to Avon athletics last night during an awards banquet at the Avon Inn.
The banquet is a Lions Club tradition dating back at least 40 years, said Barbara McCormick, a teaching assistant in the Avon Middle School and president of the community service organization.
“Any senior who plays a sport is invited to participate in the banquet and every senior athlete receives a plaque,” said McCormick. “Some of the seniors are familiar because I knew them in middle school and I am always impressed with their dedication and commitment to their sport.”
The featured speaker for this year’s banquet was Mark Resch, a longtime NCAA Division I women’s basketball official and husband to Avon Middle School Guidance Counselor Melanie Resch.
In his address, Resch spoke to athletes about his journey from a middle and high school teacher at Alexander Central Schools to, this past March, officiating the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament.
“I had previously taught health and physical education in the Alexander Central School District for 12 years. To me, this was my dream job, but I also had another vocation that I loved which was officiating basketball during the winter months,” said Resch. “I discussed the importance of doing things you enjoy, having multiple passions and finding what makes you ‘click’ as an individual. Life is about opportunities and making decisions for yourself and your family. I emphasized ‘Trusting your gut’ when making decisions and continuing to move forward.”
Resch also shared four aspirational ideals with the student-athletes, the first of which involved being hungry for more knowledge, training and experience.
“The second ideal was to be hard working and control the factors that you can control,” Resch recalled. “The third was to be a good person and to treat others the way you want to be treated. And, finally, the fourth ideal was to be proud of yourself, be proud of your accomplishments, be proud of your family and friends, and be proud of your community.”
In addition to recognizing all seniors who participate in a sport, Athletic Director Andy Englert handed out two sportsmanship awards - one each for a male and female athlete - and two senior athlete of the year awards, likewise for one apiece for a male and female athlete.
Sportsmanship award winners were Adam M. and Elyse C. Senior athlete of the year recipients were Andrew R. and Joleigh C.
Englert thanked the Lions Club for putting on the banquet and wished seniors well as they approach graduation and the next phase of their lives.
“Avon athletics has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success over the several years and these senior athletes are a huge reason why,” said Englert. “Each and every one has embodied what it means to be a brave and while we’re going to miss them greatly in a few short weeks when they graduate, I know whatever course they take - college, the trades or right into the workforce - they're going to be successful thanks in no small part to the lessons they learned competing as a member of a team here at Avon.”
Elyse C. poses for a photo with her sportsmanship award. At right is Avon Athletic Director Andy Englert
Adam M. poses for a photo with his sportsmanship award. At right is Avon Athletic Director Andy Englert
Joleigh C. poses for a photo with her senior athlete of the year award. At right is Avon Athletic Director Andy Englert
Andrew R. poses for a photo with his senior athlete of the year award. At right is Avon Athletic Director Andy Englert
From left are Avon Athletic Director Andy Englert, Adam M., Elyse C., Andrew R., Joleigh C. and featured speaker Mark Resch, a longtime NCAA Division I women’s basketball official.