New York State Scholar-Athlete Awards

Each season the Sports Boosters presents to one athlete from each Varsity Sport that demonstrates leadership, teamwork and academic excellence and presents that athlete with a plaque for their outstanding ability to achieve excellence both on and off the field. Please help us honor these athletes.

Fall 2011 STAR Awards

Girls Soccer – Erin Terry, a senior, is the daughter of Paul and Bridgid Terry of Cayuta.  Erin was a captain on the girls’ soccer team this year.  She led both on and off the field, in every way. Throughout the season she helped a very young team learn to organize and compete on the field.  Playing sweeper most of the year, she was a formidable obstacle to those opposing forwards who attempted to get by her.  Her ability to shut down and “smother” the opponents attacking player was evident in every game.

Volleyball - Taylor Carey, a senior, is the daughter of Frank and Michelle Carey of Montour Falls.  Taylor was an instrumental member of the OM varsity volleyball team this fall. She was a team captain, a supportive teammate, and an excellent player. Taylor led the team with enthusiasm and encouraging words. This was her third year at the Varsity level, and her experience and skill level helped the entire team rise to a higher level. During matches, Taylor would constantly talk to her teammates and inspire them to do their best and never give up. At practices Taylor would often serve as an example to other players on how to do a skill correctly. She also willingly assisted anyone who needed extra help. She had a terrific season and ended with impressive statistics, leading almost every category for our team. She was recognized by other coaches for her abilities and was put on the First-Team All-Stars for our division. Taylor also excels in the academic field. She earns high grades and is near the top of her class. She was a part of our scholar-athlete team. Taylor is a prime example of an exceptional student-athlete. She is admired by many for putting her best effort into all that she does.

Boys Soccer – Matt Kautz, a senior, is the son of Michael and Gail Kautz of Burdett.  He is a captain on the boys’ soccer team and plays the sweeper position.  Besides organizing the defense, he played an important role in being our “specialist” scoring off headers during corner kicks.  Matt is both a leader on and off the field.  Matt was named first team IAC all stars for the Small School South, and also was chosen to play in the IAC Senior All Star game.

Girls Swimming – Carly Lynch-Benjamin, a senior, is the daughter of David Benjamin and Laura Lynch. Carly swam the 50 and the 100 free this year, and was a great anchor on relays. She has an incredibly strong finish and the ability to consistently out-touch her competitors at the finish.  She was a supporter of her teammates before and during meets, and was always looking for team bonding opportunities. Carly is a high honor student and an accomplished artist.  She will be greatly missed in and out of the pool next year.

Football – Joe Markley, a senior, is the son of Donald and Karen Gunning of Trumansburg.  He shows all the qualities required for selection to this award.  He was the team captain, Ernie Davis all-star and all-IAC.  Joe is a solid academic student being honored as the Rotary Student of the Month.  He has excellent character, team leader and always cares about others and will develop into a person who will give a lot back in the future.

Spring 2011 STAR Awards

Boys Track – Joe Markley, a junior, is the son of Don and Karen Gunning of Trumansburg.  Joe Markley exemplifies what the STAR award is all about.  His unselfish desire to make his team better along with his willingness to lead by example puts him above and beyond.  His excellence does not stop on the track.  In the classroom his diligence and determination are just as fierce.  In addition to being an IAC and Section 4 Class D All Star, he has been named to the NYS All Academic team.  Joe is a pleasure to coach.

Girls Track – Erin Terry, a junior, is the daughter of Paul and Brigid Terry of Cayuta.  She helped the girls track team claim the IAC Small School South Division, and Small School South League title this year.  In our Divisional meet against Newfield, she won the 800 and was on the winning 4x100 and 4x400 relays.  In our Divisional meet against TAE she won the Long Jump (jumping 15’) and was on the winning 4x100 and 4x400 relays.  In the league championship meet and the Section IV Class D championship meet, Erin placed in the 800, and the 4x100 and 4x400 events.  Erin was also on the 4x100 relay team that placed 3^rd overall in the State Qualifier meet.  Erin has played an integral role in the success of the team for the past four years. 

Golf – Matt Kautz, a junior, is the son of Michael and Gail Kautz of Burdett.   He was the IAC South Small division MVP and a qualifier for the state tournament (finished 9th at the overall Section IV medalist tournament).  He also is part of the golf team receiving the NYSPHSAA academic award.  Matt always displays the qualities of honor, integrity, and sportsmanship which are such a integral part of the game of golf. He is only the second O-M golfer ever to quality for the state tournament.

Tennis – Joey Collins, a freshman, is the son of Kevin and Kay Collins of Odessa.  He has been the #1 singles tennis player.  As a freshman, he was playing against more experienced players every match. He did an outstanding job and maintained his enthusiasm and his competitiveness and efforts were outstanding. He was an example to all his teammates and should have many more years of outstanding tennis.

Baseball – Ryan Gardner, a sophomore, is the son of Russell and Vicki Gardner of Montour Falls. Ryan led the team in innings pitches, earned run average and stolen bases. He was also had the second highest batting average on the team. Whether pitching or playing second base Ryan was a team leader and will play a vital role in next year's team. 

Softball – Taylor Thoman, a senior, is the daughter of Todd and Robin Thoman of Odessa.  Taylor is above average in the acedemic respect, being highly ranked in her class. She is also a member of the New Visions program. Taylor also ranks high on the softball field as well, recording top batting averages 2 years in a row. Taylor is very respectful and strives for high performance levels in everything she does!

Winter 2010-2011 STAR Awards

Boys Basketball – Matt Kautz, a junior, is the son of Michael and Gail Kautz of Burdett.  He has an academic average of 95.69 and also ranks in the top 5 of his class.   Not only is he an outstanding student, but he also had a productive year on the boys Varsity Basketball team.  Matt averaged 7.1 ppg, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 2.2 assists per contest.  Against Waverly, the South Large School champion, he scored 16 pts while grabbing 12 boards.  During his free time, he also became involved within the community and coached one of our 3-4th grade Youth Basketball Teams.

Girls Basketball – Michelle Melanson, a senior, is the daughter of Bruce and Debra Melanson of Montour Falls.  She was 1st team all-IAC South Small school division and named to BCANY all-Section 4 team.  Michelle averaged 16.6 points per game, leading the team. She also led the team in steals, was 2nd in assists and the 3rd leading rebounder.  Michelle reached 1,000 points for her career.

Wrestling – Alex Wheeler, a freshman, is the son of Thomas and Eileen Wheeler of Odessa.  Alex is a first year wrestler, who is a very respectful student athlete who isn't afraid to work hard to get better. He has a great attitude on and off the mat, while also being coachable. His record for this year was 14 - 20, and qualified for sectionals as an alternate by placing 6th at Class D's.

Boys Swimming – Derek Frasier, a senior, is the son of Dan and Vicki Frasier of Alpine. This was Derek's third year on the Varsity Swim Team.  Derek really came into his own this year, stepping up into a leadership position as captain on the team, and consistently improving his swimming technique and times throughout the season.  He was a friend to everyone on the team, and was always there with words of encouragement for his teammates.  He worked hard in practice and it paid off in the meets during the regular and post-season. Toward the end of the season, he rose to the challenge of swimming one of the hardest races, the 200 Individual Medley (IM), which combines technique, strength and endurance.  A virtual unknown in the event, he ended up placing 5th at IACs and was the top individual OM finisher at that meet. Derek also placed 11th at IACs in his specialty, the 100 Breaststroke, and took 11th in the IM and 12th in the Breaststroke at Sectionals.  Derek was named an IAC All-Star, and is an honor student.  His versatility as a swimmer, good-nature and determination will be greatly missed next year.

Boys Bowling – Cory Pound, a senior, is the son of Ernest and Debra Pound of Odessa.  He showed leadership this season by coming to practice every day even though he had a broken leg.  He kept score and helped out by teaching some of the younger bowlers and continued to have a very positive attitude.

Girls Bowling – Ashley Bryington, a senior, is the daughter of Thomas and Tammy Bryington of Montour falls. She always shows leadership and positive attitude throughout the season.  

Cheerleading – Sydney Eberhardt, a sophomore, is the daughter of Joseph and Robin Eberhardt of Cayuta.  Sydney was part of a stunt group that place third at the Elmira College Cheerleading Competition and she also helped her team to a 4th place finish in the annual IAC cheerleading competition. Sydney has great technique when it comes to stunting and jumping that make her such a strong part of the Odessa Montour Cheerleading squad.

Fall 2010-2011 STAR Awards

Boys Soccer – Matt Kautz, a junior, is the son of Mike and Gail Kautz of Burdett.  He was a captain of the team and showed great leadership on and off the field.  Matt spent the season anchoring the defense in the sweeper position. He played an important role in being our “specialist” scoring off headers during corner kicks.  He was named to the first team IAC all stars for the Small School South.  He continually works to make himself and his team better and enjoys volunteering his time with youth sports. He is also academically one of the top members of his class.

Girls Soccer – Malissa Richards, a senior, is the daughter of Malcolm Richards of Alpine.  She was the starting Sweeper for the girls varsity soccer team this year.  Her touch on the ball, movement off the ball, and ability to play the ball out of the air, are some of the skills she possesses that makes her a great soccer player.  Her ability to organize the team defense was an integral part to our team holding the opponent scoreless nine times this year. Malissa was named to the first team IAC all stars for the Small School South, and also was chosen to play in the IAC Senior All Star game.

Girls Swimming – Quinn Griswold, a junior, is the daughter of Roger and Linda Griswold of Alpine.  Quinn's work ethic, positive attitude and infectious cheerfulness made her a leader on the team.  She worked hard toward achieving both her personal goals and the team goals throughout the season.  She incorporated new techniques into her strokes and races which is not an easy task for someone who has been swimming as long as she has.  She demonstrated leadership and teamwork by always being on her feet, and at the side or end of the pool cheering on her teammates during their races, even if she wasn't having a great day in the pool.  Her hard work paid off. She was the only OM swimmer to advance to the finals in two individual events at the EFA Invitational, placing 6th in the 100 Back and 9th in the 500 Free, she took 2nd place in the 100 Back and 500 Free at the IAC Championships, and was OM's top individual finisher at Sectionals, placing 2nd in the 500 Free and 7th in the 100 Back.  Quinn is an honor roll student, and was honored as an IAC All-Star.  

Volleyball – Taylor Cary, a junior, is the daughter of Frank and Michelle Cary of Montour Falls. Taylor, the middle hitter, led the team in both kills and blocks this season. Her experience from last year's starting lineup was extremely valuable for the more inexperienced players.  Taylor was selected by the opposing coaches to both the Campbell-Savona and Watkins Glen all tournament teams. Taylor was also named to the IAC second team as a middle hitter.

Winter 2009-2010 STAR Awards 

Boys Basketball - Dan Stephens, a senior, is the son of Dirk and Debbie Stephens of Montour Falls.   Dan has played varsity basketball for the past three years.  He has really stepped up and accepted the leadership role this year and his hard work and dedication to the program will be sorely missed.  Dan led the team in scoring with 12 points per game.  He also chipped in with 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per outing.  Dan also volunteered his time to the Hanlon Youth Basketball league where he helped coach our 3rd and 4th graders.  Academically, Dan plans to attend Keuka College and become an English teacher. 

Girls Basketball - Michelle Melanson, a junior, is the daughter of Bruce and Debra Melanson of Montour Falls.  She led the team in scoring with 15 points per game, and was second on the team in rebounding, third in steals.  She consistently drew the major defensive assignments against our opponent' top scorers and held them under their averages.  She was a first-team all-IAC South Small school division selection and has been picked to play in the Stars and Stripes all-star classic in Binghamton later in March.

Wrestling - Luke Smith, a senior, is the son of Chuck and Kim Smith of Alpine.  Luke is captain of the team and has been a good leader for our team. Luke has been in tournament finals 3 times (EFA tournament, Watson tournament, and IAC tournament) winning the EFA tournament. Luke's season record was 27-5.  He is an honor roll student and has stepped in at times and been a good role model to younger wrestlers.

Boys Swimming - John Wead, a senior, is the son of Norman and Michelle Wead of Montour Falls.  John consistently swam the 200 IM and 100 Backstroke events, and was a regular member of the 200 Medley and 200 Free relays.  He always worked hard during every practice, and set an example for the rest of the team. He was a great supporter of the team during meets, always cheering on his teammates, and encouraging them to do their best. He put 100% effort into every event he swam, and consistently improved his times throughout the year. He was named as an IAC All-Star this year.  His work ethic, dedication and versatility as a swimmer will be missed next year.

Boys Bowling - James Turner, a senior, is the son of Vincent and Shannon Turner of Alpine. He is the top bowler on the boys' team.  He has showed leadership and always worked hard to get better.  Thirty top scores were never enough - he always wanted more.

Girls Bowling – Mallory Richards, a senior, is the daughter of Malcolm Richards.  She is the top bowler on the girls' team.  She also was never content with thirty top scores. Mallory shows great leadership and is always striving to get better.

Cheerleading - Cassie House, a sophomore, is the daughter of Gary House and Emily Green of Montour Falls.  Cassie has been a part of the squad for the past two seasons. Cassie is an excellent base and has the spirit that every cheerleader should strive for.  Cassie, despite many set backs, has done nothing but improve over the past two years.

The varsity girls’ basketball team received the New York State Scholar-Athlete team award this winter and is being recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for having a team average of 90 or above.   The girls had an average of 92.92.  Each member of the Scholar-Athlete Team will receive a commemorative pin for their honor.

Greg Gavich coaches the girls’ basketball team and the entire team was scholars.  The Scholar-Athlete team members are:  Taylor Carey, Nicole Colunio, Jocelyn Garrison, Ashley McLean, Michelle Melanson, Jessica Niedermaier, Denna Page, Katlynne Ray, Jessica Rhodes, Melody Stadelmaier, Allison Stamp, Taylor Thoman and Rebecca Zafonte.

The varsity boys’ basketball team received the New York State Scholar-Athlete team award this winter and is being recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for having a team average of 90 or above.   The boys had an average of 90.94.  Each member of the Scholar-Athlete Team will receive a commemorative pin for their honor.

Brad Clark coaches the boys’ basketball team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are: Lucas Brown, Brad Hornbrook, Matthew Kautz, Michael McCauley, Tom Peckham, Dakota Simpson and Phil Smith.

The varsity boys’ bowling team received the New York State Scholar-Athlete team award this winter and is being recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for having a team average of 90 or above.   The boys had an average of 90.41.  Each member of the Scholar-Athlete Team will receive a commemorative pin for their honor.

Tom Strong coaches the boys’ bowling team.  The Scholar-Athlete team members are:  Tyler Goossen, Phillip Humphries, Matt Hutt, Jamie Lachut, Mitch McElroy, Hayden Moss and Cory Pound.

Spring 2009-2010
The varsity tennis, girls track, boys track, softball and golf teams received the New York State Scholar-Athlete team award this spring. The teams are being recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for having a team average of 90 or above. The tennis team had an average of 92.50, the girls track team had an average of 92.71, the boys track team had an average of 90.03, the softball team had an average of 90.32, and the golf team had an average of 93.34.  Each member of the Scholar-Athlete Teams will receive a commemorative pin for their honor.

Tim Anderson coaches the tennis team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are: Breonna Bates, Alicia Brace, Trevor Carey, Stephanie Collins, Megan Cook, Anthony Curren, Samantha Gavich, Nate Kemmerer, Dan Stephens, Dale VanWormer and Taylor Wade.

Burton Brewster coaches the girls track team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are: Alyssa Bleiler, Ashley Bryington, Taylor Carey, Tiffany Kelly, Bekki Lauper, Margaret Lucero, Danielle MacDougall, Michelle Melanson, Denna Page, Malissa Richards, Dana Roberts, Itka Safir, Hailie Searles, Mon’e Simpson, Bethany Smith, Ashton Stadelmaier, Allison Stamp, Erin Terry, Brittany VanAmburg, Amanda Williams and Rebecca Zafonte.   

Skip Strobel coaches the boys track team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are:  Matt Bleiler, Sam Capozzi, Martin Eccleston, Adam Gardner, Mike Hughey, Joe Markley, Tom Peckham, Morgan Shutter, Dakota Simpson, Phil Smith, Joe Thompson and James Williams.

Jessica Santobianco coaches the softball team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are: Allyson Hancock, Stephanie Letteer, Ashley McLean, Jessica Niedermaier, Katie Ray, Jessica Rhodes, Mallory Richards, Melody Stadelmaier, Taylor Thoman, Aubrey Tomassi and Chelsey Wilson.

Greg Gavich coaches the golf team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are: Brandon Evans, Tyler Goossen, Phillip Humphries, Matt Kautz, Dustin Letteer, Tim Markley and Adam Mitchell.

Winter 2009-2010
The varsity girls' basketball team received the New York State Scholar-Athlete team award this winter. The team is being recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for having a team average of 90 or above. The girls' basketball team had an average of 92.95. Each member of the Scholar-Athlete Teams will receive a commemorative pin for their honor.

Greg Gavich coaches the basketball team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are:  Rebecca Ayers, Whitney Ayers, Stephanie Collins, Stephanie Letteer, Katie Ray, Michelle Melanson, Melody Stadelmaier, Allison Stamp and Taylor Thoman.

Fall 2009-2010
The varsity girls’ volleyball team, varsity girls’ soccer team and the varsity boys’ soccer team received the New York State Scholar-Athlete team award this fall. The teams are being recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for having a team average of 90 or above. The girls' volleyball team had an average of 92.95, the girls' soccer team had an average of 92.42 and the boys' soccer team had an average of 91.18.  Each member of the Scholar-Athlete Teams will receive a commemorative pin for their honor.

Jen Signor coaches the volleyball team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are:  Taylor Carey, Samantha Hughey, Bekki Lauper, Stephanie Letteer, Maggie Lucero, Kayleigh Robinson, Taylor Thoman and Aubrey Tomassi.

Burton Brewster coaches the girls' soccer team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are: Rebecca Ayers, Whitney Ayers, Ashley Bryington, Nicole Colunio, Allyson Hancock, Tristine Mace, Michelle Melanson, Katlynne Ray, Malissa Richards, Mallory Richards, Bethany Smith, Melody Stadelmaier, Allison Stamp and Erin Terry.   

Dirk Stephens coaches the boys' soccer team. The Scholar-Athlete team members are: Steve Benjamin, Matt Bleiler, Sam Capozzi, Trevor Carey, Brandon Evans, Ryan Gardner, Matt Kautz, Nathan Kemmerer, Morgan Shutter, Phil Smith, Daniel Stephens, Stephen Taylor and Joe Thompson.