6 minute read
Athletic News
2015 De La Salle Special Athletic Awards
Brandon Piwinski
Zachary Zschering
Nicholas Lepore Brother Kevin Gilhooly Athlete of the Year Brandon Piwinski (football, soccer, track and field)
Brandon participated in four sports his senior year. In football, Brandon was a punter and place kicker for the State Championship team. He captained soccer his senior year, and was a three-year varsity starter on defense, earning post-season honors both junior and senior years. As a junior, Brandon decided to try diving, and was the CHSL Diving Champ. In track and field, Brandon dominated the high jump for the last three years, winning numerous CHSL, Macomb County, and Regional Championships, and was state high jump champion for both 2014 and 2015. In 2014, he broke the 35-year old County High Jump Championship, and broke the DLS record. He will continue his outstanding career in Track and Field at the University of Michigan.
Tony DeSantis Man of the Year Zachary Zschering (hockey, baseball)
Zach was an outstanding hockey and baseball player, and was a captain on both squads. He anchored the defense over his three years on varsity hockey, was named to the MIHL honor team, and earned All-State honors. On the baseball team, he played multiple positions, including pitcher. He will continue his baseball career at Adrian College.
Brother Robert Carnaghi Lasallian Spirit Nicholas Lepore (baseball)
A four-year member of the baseball team, and a three-year starter, Nick captained the baseball team his senior year, leading the Pilots in numerous offensive categories, from his #3 spot, as he did in 2014. Nick led the student cheering section, the “BroZone” this year, and also attended numerous events, supporting the Pilots. Nick handled the Brozone Twitter account, keeping students informed of not only athletic news and scores, but school news as well. Nick was outstanding in the classroom, and will be continuing his baseball career at Hope College.
Athletic Awards at a Glance
Br. Kevin Gilhooly Athlete of the Year Award: Presented to a student-athlete who has excelled in one or more sports. Tony DeSantis Man of the Year Award: Presented to a student athlete who is an all-around student, and who has worked hard in and out of the classroom.
Br. Robert Carnaghi Lasallian Spirit Award: Presented to a student who is a dedicated supporter of his fellow Pilots. DLS Scholar Athlete Award: Presented to a student-athlete who has excelled in the classroom and in his sport. DLS Distinguished Athlete Award: Presented to a studentathlete who has excelled in his sport. How the award winners are selected: Coaches and staff members nominate young men for each award; a committee of administrators, staff, and coaches then reviews the nominations.
Athletic News
Michael Davey Jonathan Ryan Williams
Jacob Van Ittersum Michael Danna De La Salle Scholar Athlete (tie) Michael Davey (cross country, track) Jonathan Ryan Williams (soccer)
Congratulations to these recent graduates, honored at the 40th Annual Catholic High School League (CHSL) Recognition Dinner in early June. The following were the Scholar-Athlete Award Nominees for Outstanding Achievement in Scholarship, Leadership, and Athletics: Mickey had an outstanding career in cross-country and track, and holds more distance DLS records than any other runner. He finished 5th in the State in the mile run, earning All-State honors. Mickey will be running, and studying, at the United States Air Force Academy. Jack Ryan was an outstanding midfielder on the soccer team, starting his junior and senior seasons, and was team captain and MVP his senior year. He earned numerous post-season awards, capped off by All-State his senior year. Jack was also involved with numerous DLS activities, including Link Crew, Science Olympiad, and Kairos retreat leader. He wil be attending the University of Notre Dame.
De La Salle Distinguished Athlete (tie) Michael Danna (football) Jacob Van Ittersum (football, wrestling, track and field)
Mike had a major impact on the football program, and his positive influence contributed to the success of the team. A three-year starter, and captain his senior year, Mike was named to the All-State Dream Team. He accepted a full-ride scholarship to Central Michigan University and will play for CMU’s Division 1 football team.
Jacob was one of De La Salle’s few three-sport athletes. He played offensive line in football, and will continue playing at the collegiate level at Northwood Institute. As a wrestler, Jacob was the 2015 CHSL Champion, District Champion and Regional Champion in his weight class, and earned
Scholar-Athletes Honored by CHSL
All-State and Academic All-State honors. Cross Country: Mickey Davey Tennis: Grant Severyn Soccer: Jack Ryan Williams Lacrosse: Luke Lorio Basketball: Matthew Grimm Swimming: Michael Migliore Wrestling: Jason Hertel Football: Joshua Redoute Grant Severyn was additionally honored as the recipient of the Msgr. Carroll F. Deady Tennis Award, and Jack Ryan Williams was selected as the recipient of the Brother George Synan Award.
Athletic News
Spring Sports Highlights
Track and Field
The varsity track team had an exceptional season, narrowly losing the CHSL title to St. Mary’s. The team had an outstanding showing at regionals, successfully defending their 2014 championship, and sending six individual athletes and three relay teams to the MHSAA State Finals.
Brandon Piwinski repeated as the state’s High Jump Champion and earned All-State honors. Brandon will be high jumping at the University of Michigan. Mickey Davey finished 5th in the state finals in the 3200m. and was also All-State. Mickey’s run of 9:11.23 broke his own record, set on May 1, at the Golden Triangle Invitational in Saline, MI. That May 1 effort broke Ben Miller’s 2009 record of 9:23.76.
Mickey is at the U.S. Air Force Academy and will be a distance runner.
Junior Allen Stritzinger had an outstanding track season, finishing first in the 110m. hurdles at the regional meet. Allen participated in a National AAU meet in early August, finishing 6th in the 110m. hurdles, and earned All-American Honors.
Track Coach Dominic Reid
Baseball
Although the varsity baseball team didn’t go far in the state playoffs, numerous players will be continuing to play baseball at the collegiate level. • Dan Michalak - Northwood. Dan was also selected to play on the East-West
All Star Team at Comerica Park in mid-June. • Zach Zschering - Adrian. • Addison Pawelek - Wayne State
University. • Nick Lepore - Hope College. • Nick Caruso - Macomb County
Community College. Post-season, Chris Adsit was named AllState, Second Team.
The Track team preparing to leave for State Finals
Athletic News
Golf
The DLS Varsity Golf Team had an outstanding season, making their 19th trip in 21 years to the state finals, finishing 14th. Martin VanderHagen earned Division 1, All-State Honorable Mention honors.
The team won the Macomb County Championship, the District Championship, and took second at the CHSL and Regional matches. Veteran coach Doug McKay was named the Division 1 Regional Coach of the Year. The team was also All-Academic, All-State, and VanderHagen and Matt Jozefczyk were named All-Academic, All-State as individuals.
Kevin Campion will continue his golfing career at Lawrence Tech.
2015 Golf District Champs Kevin Campion (‘15), Joe Taras (‘16), Coach Doug McKay, Martin VanderHagen (‘15), Jon Brillati (‘16), Anthony Comito (‘18), and Matt Jozefczyk (‘15).
Senior Wilson Selected for All-Star Game
Senior Tru Wilson has been invited to the January 4, 2016 “Semper Fidelis AllAmerican Bowl” in Carson, CA. Sponsored by the U.S. Marines, the prestigious game will be broadcast by Fox. A three-year varsity player, and one of the 2015 captains, Tru plays both defensive back and running back. DLS Head Varsity Football Coach Paul Verska praises Wilson. “He’s athletic, a leader, and an overachiever. This is a well-deserved honor.” Tru has offers from Navy, Army, Air Force, Lehigh, and Robert Morris. He is handling the DLS Football Twitter account @DeLaSalleFball. In addition to football, Tru is also a three-year wrestler, and qualified for the 2015 MHSAA Finals in the 171 lb. weight class.
