Berkshire All Stars 2019

gala

Honoring the Top Athletes from: Lee, Lenox, Mount Everett, Monument Mountain, Pittsfield, Taconic, Wahconah, Hoosac Valley, Mount Greylock, Drury, and McCann Tech.

Keynote Speaker

Keith Willis

college and professional football star Wednesday June 26, 2019 6:00 PM OF THE BERKSHIRES 16 Melville Street, Pittsfield, MA

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Sunday, June 23, 2019 | Berkshire All Stars

CONGRATULATIONS BERKSHIRE ALL-STARS!

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BY FREDRIC D. RUTBERG

We are proud to mark the completion of another fine year of athleticism, competition and accomplishment with the second annual Berkshire All-Stars Gala.

Sports are often referred to as “extracurricular” activities. Indeed, they take place after the school day is over, and participation is in addition, or an extra, to required school work. However, when one views high school as

necessary preparation for young people to begin to take their places as full and contributing members of society, sports can properly appear to be at the center of a student’s curriculum.

Attaining a level of academic knowledge is essential for anyone to become a participating adult in a 21st century community.

George Santayana, the philosopher, taught that those who do not study history are bound to repeat it. Our most recent past includes wars and economic meltdown, so

Football star Keith Willis is special guest Keith Willis is a former high school All-American two-sport athlete, he played football and basketball at Virginia Tech. Following collegiate sports, Keith played in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. He won the World Bowl Championship in 2006 with the Frankfurt Galaxy while playing in NFL Europe. Keith has a B.S. in human nutrition foods and exercise and a M.S. in health promotion from Virginia Tech.

Keith is the CEO and Founder of MOSS Movement and is responsible for leading the creation of innovative and informative business development strategies. To

team, sometimes taking a back seat so a teammate can make a meaningful contribution.

Understanding and embracing one’s role on a team demonstrates the need for honest, forthright communication.

Most important, participating in sports forces one to learn to accept defeat and to persist despite its pain. There are few life lessons that are so essential and so difficult to learn.

For us here at The Berkshire Eagle, it is particularly gratifying to dedicate an evening to celebrate success in the form of a new crop of local heroes. In that spirit, we salute the players, coaches and those who embody the spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship tonight at the Berkshire All-Stars Gala.

Congratulations, all.

Fredric D. Rutberg is the publisher and co-owner of The Berkshire Eagle.

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this end, he works closely with the MOSS advisory board and MOSS partnership organizations to launch cutting edge life skills programming for student athletes across the nation.

With over 15 years of experience structuring teams and creating revenue streams in athletics, education and technology, Keith is pushing MOSS forward to fill the curriculum gap in athleticism life skills education.

Keith is also now a prolific speaker that travels around the country inspiring the masses to help them become the best versions of themselves. From running his fitness company, Untapped Fitness, to now coaching in life and business – he is motivated to help individuals identify and achieve their full potential. He inspires people to live a purpose driven life. Keith’s heart for service, especially for the youth has never been more evident than what he does every year in his Friday 2 Saturday program.

Through this program, Keith helps young men develop into collegiate prospects and helps them attain opportunities to further their education through the game of football. He has assisted over 40 young men transition into collegiate student athletes over the last 5 years.

avoiding errors of the past is critical to the future. People of my vintage are told how important knowledge of technology is and how much more important it will be in the decades to come.

But, in addition to acquiring knowledge, education teaches and reinforces values that civilized society requires and desires of its members. Critical thinking, honesty, and respect for others come to mind immediately.

All of those values are essential to sport and are taught through example by diligent and patient coaches.

I believe the true worth of high school sports is that participation helps develop the qualities we associate with the most productive and successful members of the community. Sports and coaches teach teamwork and reliability.

Playing sports, especially team sports, can require sacrificing personal glory for the good of the

Berkshire All Stars | Sunday, June 23, 2019

Sports teach values that society requires

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Sunday, June 23, 2019 | Berkshire All Stars

Tanner Hill

Abby Kate Caproni

David Bowler

Greg Knight

ALPINE SKIING Tanner Hill WAHCONAH, BOYS SKIER OF THE YEAR

Hill had a stellar senior season for Wahconah, winning the first three races of the league season and amassing an All-Berkshire best points tally for the season. Hill’s Warriors also claimed the team league title. He went on to place third in the slalom and fourth in the GS at the state championships, and was the top all-around competitor.

Abby Kate Caproni LENOX. GIRLS SKIER OF THE YEAR

Caproni, a Drury student skiing for the Millionaires, repeats as the girls MVP. Caproni won the final five Berkshire County races of the year to take the overall crown for a second straight year, and helped her team to a team title, as well. She was ninth in the slalom at states and was the top GS finisher from the Berkshires.

David Bowler WAHCONAH, BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR

Bowler took over the team this year, and the former assistant coach stepped right in to make an impact. He coached the individual and team champions in the Berkshires this winter, and at the state championships, had his skiers finish fifth in the team standings.

Christian Womble

Greg Knight LENOX, GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

Knight’s Millionaires have been consistently good in his tenure, and this year was no different as Knight’s skiers took home a Berkshire County title, and top skier Abby Kate Caproni finished first overall. Four of his skiers were top-11 in the county this winter.

Anton Lazits

BASEBALL Christian Womble TACONIC, PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Womble went unbeaten as a starter during the regular season and Western Mass. D-III tournament run, culminating in the Braves winning a third straight sectional championship, and second straight in D-III. Womble recorded over 100 strikeouts on the season with an ERA under 1. He also hit three home runs and drove in 23 runs entering the Western Mass. final, scoring 30 runs himself on a .468 batting average.

Carter Matthews PITTSFIELD, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Matthews struck out just three times in 73 at bats on the year, showing his patience at the plate. He batted .469, scoring 25 runs for the Generals as the team earned a share of the Berkshire North league title.

Matthews, who also pitched for Pittsfield, played an integral role in the team reaching the Western Mass.

Division I semifinals.

Anton Lazits TACONIC, PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Carter Matthews

Lazits went 6-1 on the season for the Braves, recording an ERA of .824 in 51 innings of work. He allowed just 36 hits on 17 walks. Lazits formed a formidable 1-2 punch with Player of the Year Christian Womble, as the Braves won a second straight Western Mass. Division III championship, and a third-straight Western Mass. title overall.

Seamus Morrison

Bo Bramer TACONIC, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

While only a freshman, Bo Bramer patrolled center field like the veterans who played the position before him. He started every game for the Braves and made only one error all year. His strength and smarts as a defensive player were on display at the Western Mass. Division III baseball championship game. Bramer chipped in with more than the glove, batting .369 with 27 RBI. Photo unavailable at press time.

Seamus Morrison PITTSFIELD, COACH OF THE YEAR

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Morrison’s Generals earned a share of the Berkshire North league title this year, recording an 18-2 record overall that included just one loss to a Western Mass. team -- Taconic, which the team split with. Morrison helped a group with only a handful of seniors come together around a common goal, as the team earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Mass. Division I tournament, and made the semifinals.

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BASKETBALL Reece Racette DRURY, PLAYER OF THE YEAR Reece Racette

Reece Racette did a little bit of everything for Drury this year, as the program brought home a Western Mass. Division IV championship trophy. The senior became the program’s all-time leading scorer during the season, and finished his career with 1,458 points. He was held to single digits just twice during the season, and grew into a great distributor of the basketball, and an avid rebounder.

Scott McGuire, Jr.

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Sunday, June 23, 2019 | Berkshire All Stars

BASKETBALL Scott McGuire, Jr. DRURY, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

McGuire did it all offensively for Drury during the season, as he helped lead the team to a Western Mass.

Division IV championship. He topped the 1,000-point mark during the season, and now as 1,220 for his career. McGuire hit 39 3-pointers, and averaged 24 points per game.

Quentin Gittens TACONIC, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Gittens’ impact can best be told by the winning streak his team went on, after he returned from injury this season. After missing six games, his Braves rattled off 14 straight when he came back. Gittens was the vocal leader for the Braves on the defensive end, helping the team to back-to-back MIAA Division III state championship games.

Jack Racette DRURY, BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR

Jack Racette won his first Western Mass. championship during the winter, guiding his Blue Devils to the Division IV crown, and a first sectional title for the program in nearly 30 years. The coach oversaw the Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year, but more importantly, figured out how to get enough out of those around Reece Racette and Scott McGuire Jr. to help the Blue Devils take the next step.

Quentin Gittens

Jack Racette

Alie Mendel HOOSAC VALLEY, CO-PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Mendel capped off her basketball career by helping the Hurricanes to a MIAA Division III state championship. She scored 437 points on the season, and topped the 1,000-point mark to finish with 1,357 career points. She was held to single figures in scoring just once during the season and scored at least 20 points in 16 games, while also being an integral part of the team’s pressure on the defensive end.

Gwendolyn Carpenter MOUNT EVERETT, CO-PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Carpenter became Berkshire County’s all-time leading scorer in her senior season, finishing with an astonishing 2,121 points for her career. She also set Mount Everett’s all-time scoring mark on her way to the county milestone. In addition to her scoring prowess, Carpenter was also the main distributor for the Eagles on their march to the Western Mass. D-IV final, in addition to being a stout defender.

Lexi Mercier HOOSAC VALLEY, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Mercier’s shooting abilities were on display throughout the team’s journey to a MIAA Division III state title.

The senior hit 97 3-pointers during the year, and scored 429 points overall. She topped 1,000 points for her career during the year, and finished with 1,182 career points.

Victoria Gamberoni WAHCONAH, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Alie Mendel

The Warriors were the toughest defensive team in Berkshire County this year, and Gamberoni’s efforts played a big role in that. Gamberoni was often tasked with guarding the other team’s best player, and was able to give those players fits. Wahconah gave up more than 40 points just six times on the year en route to the Western Mass. Division III semifinals.

Ron Wojcik HOOSAC VALLEY, GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

Gwendolyn Carpenter

The head coach for the Hurricanes has brought plenty of success to the program, but this year the team took it one step further by bringing home a MIAA Division III state championship. Wojcik’s style is apparent when his team plays, from the hard-nosed defensive effort on one end, to the green-light shooting on display at the other during games. Hoosac went 21-4, winning a Berkshire North title, a Western Mass.

D-III championship, and the aforementioned state honor.

CROSS-COUNTRY Jesse Seid MOUNT GREYLOCK, BOYS MOST VALUABLE RUNNER

Jesse Seid, Mount Greylock, senior A repeat winner of the award, Seid put together a stellar senior season to lead his Mounties to a ninth straight Western Mass. title. Seid was named league MVP by the coaches, and raced to a victory at the Berkshire Individuals meet. At Western Mass., Seid finished second overall, and followed it up with an 11th-place finish at the state championships.

Scott Burdick MOUNT GREYLOCK, BOYS COACH

Burdick has built one of the most dominant dynasties in all of Berkshire County with his Mounties team.

Greylock won a ninth-straight Western Mass. championship in the fall, beating second-place Hampshire by 53 points. Greylock put four runners in the top 10 that day. At states, the team finished third in the D-II field, with three runners in the top 50.

Victoria Gamberoni

BerkshireEagle.com

Lexi Mercier

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Ron Wojcik

Jesse Seid

Scott Burdick

Grace Phair

Matt Pegorari

Phair has been one of the most consistent racers in the Berkshires for years now. Phair was a constant presence around the podium for each race this year, including a pair of early-season wins as she and the rest of her team dealt with the death of coach Chris Unsworth right before the season began. Phair finished eighth at the Western Mass. D-II meet, and placed 25th at the state championships.

Matt Pegorari WAHCONAH, GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

Pegorari’s Warriors are one of the smaller Division I schools in the area, but that hasn’t kept the team from making waves at sectionals and beyond. The team finished fourth overall at the Western Mass. D-I meet this year, and despite just missing out on sending a full team to states, Pegorari’s crew still sent four to the event.

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Conner Noyes WAHCONAH, PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Noyes put together a dominant season for Wahconah in the fall, helping guide his team to a Western Mass. D-VII championship and a spot in the state semifinals. Noyes was also honored with the Angelo Bertelli Award as the MVP for all of Western Mass.

Football. He rushed for 1,413 yards and 20 touchdowns on the year, and was an anchor on the defense at the linebacker position.

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WAHCONAH, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Clayton repeats as the offensive player of the year after quarterbacking his Warriors to a Western Mass. D-VII championship. The senior slinger tossed the ball for 1,553 yards this season, going 108 for 198 in 11 games. He went for over 100 passing yards in 10 games this season.

Justin Meczywor HOOSAC VALLEY, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Meczywor could do it all for his Hurricanes this season. Playing across a variety of positions on defense, Meczywor helped anchor a unit that claimed a Western Mass.

D-VIII championship. He led the team with 57 tackles on the year, including three for losses. He also had one interception, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble.

Gary Campbell, Jr.

Berkshire All Stars | Sunday, June 23, 2019

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Sunday, June 23, 2019 | Berkshire All Stars

GOLF Thomas Fraser LEE HIGH SCHOOL, MOST VALUABLE GOLFER Fraser is a two-time Eagle All-Star. This year, he was the medalist at the Western Mass. Division III tournament, winning by six shots with an even-par 71. His team also won the team championship at the tournament, winning by two strokes. Fraser also went undefeated in Berkshire County this season, including winning a Berkshire County Classic in the process.

Jason Sniezek HOOSAC VALLEY, COACH OF THE YEAR Coach Sniezek helped guide his Hurricanes to a 13-1 record in the regular season, and then to a team championship at the Western Mass. D-II tournament. Alibozek coached the medalist at the D-II tournament, his son, Henry, and fellow Hurricane Derek Alibozek finished one shot behind. Hoosac shot a 341, beating Frontier by six strokes for the team championship.

HOCKEY Thomas Fraser

Corbin Rumbolt DRURY, PLAYER OF THE YEAR Rumbolt’s three years with the program saw Drury get better every season, culminating in a Western Mass. Division IIIA tournament spot this year. Rumbolt helped power the offense as the team went 7-7-6 overall, recording 22 points in 19 games. He had 10 goals and 12 assists.

Jason Sniezek

Kevin Ellingwood DRURY, COACH OF THE YEAR Ellingwood’s tenure at Drury saw the team make the postseason this winter. The Blue Devils qualified for the Western Mass. Division IIIA field, and the co-op program went 7-7-6 on the year. Ellingwood’s team was the lone Berkshire County unit in the postseason, and the team did it despite starting 1-2-2 on the year.

LACROSSE Michael Wellspeak MOUNT GREYLOCK, PLAYER OF THE YEAR Wellspeak capped his Greylock career with a 100-point season, including 38 goals and 62 assists. He amassed 349 points during his career. He also was second on his team in ground balls this year, as Greylock went 13-7 and finished second in the Berkshire League. Wellspeak’s Mounties also qualified for the Central/Western Mass. Division III tournament, as well, making the quarterfinals.

Dart Jaggi WAHCONAH, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Corbin Rumbolt

Jaggi racked up the goals this season, tallying 70 over the campaign as Wahconah went 17-2 and won the Berkshire League title for the first time in program history. Jaggi also had 14 assists, finishing with 84 points on the season. He scored hat tricks in at least 14 games.

Corey Bazonski WAHCONAH, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kevin Ellingwood

The junior defenseman led his team in ground balls on the year as Wahconah went 17-2 to win the Berkshire League title. Bazonski worked as part of a unit that gave up just six goals per game during the season, and held teams to single digits in all but three contests.

Joe O’Neill WAHCONAH, COACH OF THE YEAR O’Neill’s first year as the head coach will be one to remember. Wahconah went 17-2 on the year, winning a Berkshire League crown for the first time in program history. The team also earned the No. 2 seed in the Central/Western Mass. Division III tournament. O’Neills team was both stout defensively and offensively, giving up just six goals per game while scoring 14 goals per contest.

Alie Mendel HOOSAC VALLEY, PLAYER OF THE YEAR Mendel put together a points-filled senior season for the Hurricanes, scoring 85 goals and dishing out 27 assists for 112 points. She was first in the county in goals, and second in assists. Hoosac went 16-2 in the regular season and won the Berkshire League title, earning the No. 2 seed in the Central/Western Mass.

Division II tournament.

Dart Jaggi

BerkshireEagle.com

Michael Wellspeak

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Corey Bazonski

Joe O’Neill

Alie Mendel

Carolyn Jones MOUNT GREYLOCK, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jones might have been an underclassmen during the season in terms of grade, but she proved to be a varsity-caliber attacking threat for the Mounties. Jones scored 94 points this year, including 81 goals as the Mounties clawed their way into the Central/Western Mass. Division II tournament and advancing to the championship game.

Claudia Bresett HOOSAC VALLEY, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Bresett played a key role in the defensive setup for the Hurricanes, as the team won a Berkshire League title and a No. 2 seed in the Central/Western Mass. Division II tournament.

Bresett’s team conceded double-digit goals just four times this season. Bresett didn’t just play a role on defense, though, as she turned her work in the back to action up front, scoring 83 points on 61 goals and 22 assists.

Lindsey von Holtz MOUNT GREYLOCK, COACH OF THE YEAR The Mounties didn’t put up a ton of wins this year, but von Holtz’s squad overcame some early season wobbles to make the Central/Western Mass. Division II tournament field. Von Holtz’s coaching as a key factor in that, as she helped a team that overturned a large chunk of its roster find its legs and excel. Von Holtz’s crew also did something no other Berkshire County girls team has done before -- take home hardware in the Central/Western Mass. tournament two years in a row as runner-ups.

Carolyn Jones

Claudia Bresett

Lindsey von Holtz

Hiram Greene

NORDIC SKIING

Berkshire All Stars | Sunday, June 23, 2019

LACROSSE

Hiram Greene MOUNT GREYLOCK, BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR A longtime staple of the Nordic skiing scene in the Berkshires, Greene has helped establish one of the most dominant programs in any sport at any school around. With the help of girls coach Hilary Greene and assistant Mark Santella, the Mounties rolled through the Berkshire League season, before finishing second at the MIAA state meet. Four of Hiram Greene’s skiers placed in the top 20 at states.

Jakin Miller MOUNT GREYLOCK, BOYS SKIER OF THE YEAR Miller repeats as the top skier in the Berkshires this year. The top Greylock skier throughout the year, Miller was a model of consistency in the league races, finishing in either first or second through the first five races of the year, including a pair of wins. At states, he finished seventh overall, as Greylock placed second as a team.

Kyle Zinchuk LENOX, GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR Zinchuk’s focus on the Lenox girls team has paid off. Working with head coach Joe Bazzano, Zinchuk helped guide a young group of Millionaires to a second-place finish at the MIAA state championships, just off the pace from the co-champions. The Millionaires had three skiers in the top 12 at states.

Brandi Gill MOUNT GREYLOCK, GIRLS SKIER OF THE YEAR

Congratulations All Stars!

A repeat honoree, Gill picked it up her junior year as a standout member of the Mounties. She helped her team to a co-championship with Concord-Carlisle at the state championships, finishing in sixth overall.

During the regular season, she helped her team to an undefeated mark by winning four of the six league races.

Jakin Miller

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Sunday, June 23, 2019 | Berkshire All Stars

SOCCER Carter Matthews PITTSFIELD, PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Matthews was the lead man for the Generals in attack this season, putting up a team-high 13 goals while also dishing out 13 assists. He had multi-point outings in seven contests on the year, including scoring two goals in five separate games as his team won a Berkshire North division title. He finishes his career with 31 goals and 19 assists.

Noel Powell MONUMENT MOUNTAIN, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Powell was a big factor in the team’s success this year from his midfield position. Powell had multi-point games in three different contests this year, and also scored a pair of goals in two separate games. Beyond just the stats, though, Powell had the ability to help his team unlock opposing defenses, making key passes that also led to goals.

Hedi Abderrahim PITTSFIELD, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Carter Matthews

Abderrahim looked to play all over the field for Pittsfield at times during the year, and for good reason.

Solid with the ball at his feet, the junior could also track back and help defend his team’s goal. He helped his team to seven clean sheets on the year as the Generals won the Berkshire North. He also could score, putting up 10 goals on the year.

Noel Powell

Andrew Antil PITTSFIELD, COACH OF THE YEAR

Antil helped guide his team to a 6-1-1 Berkshire North record to clinch the league crown, as well as a spot in the Western Mass. Division I tournament. Antil can always be seen pacing the sidelines giving instructions to his players, and was never scared to tinker with formations to put his players in the best position for success.

Nicole Gamberoni LENOX, PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Gamberoni is a repeat All-Star selection in soccer, and for good reason. She put up 21 goals on the year and had a league-high 16 assists as her Millionaires went 13-4-1 in the regular season. Lenox also made an appearance in the Western Mass. Division IV final, where Gamberoni scored a penalty kick in a penalty shootout loss. She registered 103 points for her career.

Aubrey Blanchard MONUMENT MOUNTAIN, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Blanchard’s motor and nose for the net made her a potent weapon in the fall. She scored 20 goals for her team and had four assists, good for the third-most points in the Berkshires. She scored one hat trick, and had multiple goals in four other games this season as the Spartans made it to the Western Mass. Division III semifinals.

Abby Wells WAHCONAH, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Hedi Abderrahim

The Berkshire North champion Warriors had question marks at the back coming into the season, and Wells helped erase them. Her grit gave Wahconah the toughness it needed on defense, as the Warriors gave up just 12 goals through 19 games. Wells’ Warriors made it to the semifinals of the Western Mass.

D-III tournament.

Andrew Antil

Meg Smith WAHCONAH, COACH OF THE YEAR

Coach Smith helped turn an eight-win team from last year into an 11-3-2 one this season, as the team also went undefeated through Berkshire County to win the North. Wahconah pitched 12 shutouts this year, as the third-year coach saw her vision of the team play out in front of her eyes en route to a Western Mass. D-III semifinal appearance.

SOFTBALL Abby Wells WAHCONAH, PLAYER OF THE YEAR

BerkshireEagle.com

Nicole Gamberoni

Wells is a repeat Player of the Year honoree. She gets the nod, because of her ability to shut teams down in the circle, while powering her team at the plate. The ace for the Warriors helped get her team to the Western Mass. Division II tournament, and then during the postseason and dealing with injury, she stepped up at the plate. Wells’ team allowed just 2.7 runs per game this year.

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Abby Wells

Aubrey Blanchard

The slap-hitting leadoff batter for the Generals gave opposing team ďŹ ts all season, as the Generals made it back to the Western Mass. Division I championship game. Shade recorded her 100th career base hit during the season. In addition to hitting, Shade was also a terror on the basepaths, often stealing second and third base after reaching on singles to get herself in scoring position.

Gwendolyn Carpenter MOUNT EVERETT, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

The veteran presence for the Eagles proved to be a rock at shortstop. Carpenter combined her quickness and footwork with a strong arm to track down any ball headed her way and get it to the base it needed to be at. Carpenter’s defense helped provide a cushion for pitcher Faith Angell, as the Eagles made the Western Mass. Division III semiďŹ nals.

Madi Puppolo HOOSAC VALLEY, PITCHER OF THE YEAR

Puppolo was still considered an underclassman this season, but the Hurricane ace didn’t look that way in the circle. Puppolo combines good speed with precision throwing to keep hitters off balance. Hoosac gave up just two runs per game en route to a 17-3 record, and a spot in the Western Mass. Division III semiďŹ nals.

Natasha Shade

Robin Finnegan MCCANN TECH, COACH OF THE YEAR

Finnegan helped prove that tech schools can compete, too, as her Hornets made it to the Western Mass. Division III championship game and the small school state vocational ďŹ nal. Finnegan helped nurture a senior group that started with her as freshmen, building up conďŹ dence to help the team get to where it was going.

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Berkshire All Stars | Sunday, June 23, 2019

Natasha Shade PITTSFIELD, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Isaac Boyd PITTSFIELD, BOYS SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

Boyd only joined the Generals this season, but made an instant impact in the pool as the team went 8-2 in the regular season. Boyd placed 10th at the All-State meet in the 200 individual medley, shaving seven seconds off his seed time. He also ďŹ nished eighth in the 100 breaststroke at the state competition.

Tim Mazzer/Jim Harrington PITTSFIELD, BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR

Tim Mazzer’s sudden passing during the year shocked the Generals and the local swimming community as a whole, but the team stuck together through the tragedy, and ďŹ nished 8-2 on the season. Harrington stepped in to help keep the team together, and guide the Generals into the Berkshire Individuals and the postseason.

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Sunday, June 23, 2019 | Berkshire All Stars

SWIMMING Asa Stone MONUMENT MOUNTAIN, GIRLS SWIMMER OF THE YEAR

Stone is still young, but has already shown off her abilities in the pool. She helped the Spartans to a 10-0 mark in the Berkshire League, then went on to place third in the Central/West championship meet in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke. She also swam a leg on the second-place 400 freestyle relay team.

Jill Svirida MONUMENT MOUNTAIN, GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

Svirida earned the coaching honor last year for her boys teams, and gets the girls team nod after helping her Spartans to another undefeated league season. Svirida’s crew also placed fourth at the Central/Western Mass. championship meet, and had several podium finishes by individual swimmers and relay teams.

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Adam Quinto PITTSFIELD, BOYS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Quinto stepped up as the No. 1 singles player for the Generals this season, and played a big role in the team going 12-2 on the year and earning a spot in the Western Mass. Division I field.

Quinto earned the No. 8 seed in the Western Mass. Individuals tournament, the highest seed for any Berkshire County individual player. He finished 9-3 in his individual matches.

Ava Martin LEE, GIRLS PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Martin’s senior season was played mostly at first singles, where she excelled. Martin dropped only one match during the regular season, and needed three sets to defeat an opponent just once. Martin’s Wildcats went undefeated in the regular season and won a second straight Western Mass. Division III team championship.

Daniel “Shane” Sullivan PITTSFIELD, BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR

Sullivan, himself influenced by legendary Lee boys tennis coach John Perry, has brought the Generals to some tall heights. Sullivan’s Generals were the Berkshire League champions this year, and earned a spot in the Western Mass. Division I tournament field. Sullivan’s work extends from getting the most out of his top individual players, to teaching the game to newcomers interested in coming out.

Adam Quinto

Ava Martin

Daniel Sullivan

Madison Ross

Maddie Albert

Grace Phair

Caroline Hadley

Lily Lobovits

John Jacobbe MOUNT GREYLOCK, GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

Jacobbe’s Mounties were a youthful bunch this year, but that didn’t set the team back as the Mounties qualified for the Western Mass. Division III tournament. Greylock had just one senior see regular playing time this year, going 12-2 in the process, with losses to Western Mass. champion Lee.

Berkshire All Stars | Sunday, June 23, 2019

TENNIS

TRACK & FIELD Madison Ross MOUNT GREYLOCK, GIRLS OVERALL MOST VALUABLE ATHLETE

The Mountie junior put together a dominant season, winning each and every event she won during the regular season as Greylock went undefeated in the county. Ross holds school records in the high jump, long jump, and triple jump. She won the long and triple jumps at Western Mass., and won the long jump at the Central/West championships. Ross also qualified for nationals this season.

Maddie Albert MOUNT GREYLOCK, GIRLS CO-TRACK MOST VALUABLE RUNNER

Albert was a stud in the middle distances this year, whether in the hurdles, individual runs or relays. Her 4x800 relay team set a new school record, her 4x400 relay team has the secondbest mark in school history, and she has top-7 times in the 400 hurdles and 800. Greylock won a league title this year, and placed second at Western Mass.

Grace Phair MONUMENT MOUNTAIN, GIRLS CO-TRACK MOST VALUABLE RUNNER

The veteran Spartan had a great year in the distance events. She earned first-place finishes in the mile and two-mile during the regular season, set a personal record in the two-mile during the process, and went on to place fourth in the two-mile at the Western Mass. meet, and seventh in the event at the Central/West championships.

Caroline Hadley MOUNT GREYLOCK, GIRLS CO-FIELD MOST VALUABLE ATHLETE

Hadley was the team’s leading thrower on the year, as the Mounties went undefeated in the league. She set team-best throws in the shot put, discus and javelin for the season. Hadley won a Western Mass. championship in the discus as her team placed second overall, and followed it up with a second-place finish at the Central/West meet.

Lily Lobovits TACONIC, GIRLS CO-FIELD MOST VALUABLE ATHLETE

Lobovits repeats as a field honoree this year. One of the top point-scorers for the Braves during the season, she won the shot put in all of her team’s duals. In the postseason, she set a new personal record in the shot put and placed fourth in the Central/West Division II meet, while also placing second in the shot put and third in the discus at the Western Mass. championships the week before.

Brian Gill MOUNT GREYLOCK, GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR

Gill’s Mounties went undefeated in the league, and finished second at the Western Mass. championship meet. Gill’s hands-on approach helped countless individuals excel during the season, including the three honorees listed.

BerkshireEagle.com

Jack Pudlo WAHCONAH, BOYS OVERALL MOST VALUABLE ATHLETE

Pudlo did a little bit of everything for Wahconah, including competing in the pentathlon at the and Central/West and All-State championships. Pudlo set nine new personal records during the year, and placed first in the triple and long jumps during the dual season. His 4x400 relay team qualified for All-States. He placed second in the pentathlon at the Central/West meet, and was the top 1,500-meter runner in the All-State pentathlon.

Josh Cheung MOUNT GREYLOCK, BOYS TRACK MOST VALUABLE RUNNER

Cheung dominated the middle distances for Greylock this year, as the Mounties repeated as Western Mass. Division II champions. Cheung was on the winning 4x400 relay team at the meet, and placed first in the mile and second in the 800 there. He set new personal records in the 800 and mile during the season, and was unbeaten in each mile event he entered during the league season. At the Central/West championships, he placed seventh in the mile.

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Sunday, June 23, 2019 | Berkshire All Stars

Brian Gill

James McMahon

Jack Pudlo

Josh Cheung

Mohammed Ahmed

Bailey Thomas

Anna Wang

Greg Geyer

Jeremy Tetreault

Dylan Burke

Mohammed Ahmed TACONIC, BOYS FIELD MOST VALUABLE ATHLETE

Ahmed proved he could jump both laterally and vertically this season, dominating the long and triple jumps while also excelling in the high jump. Ahmed took home firsts in all three disciplines during the season, and set new personal records in all three events, as well.

James McMahon WAHCONAH, BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR

The Warriors finished second in the league this year, and McMahon’s coaching helped play a big part. The team features overall MVP Jack Pudlo, but included a host of individuals that progressed throughout the season. McMahon’s team finished sixth at the Western Mass. championships, and his 4x400 relay team placed third at the Central/West meet.

VOLLEYBALL Bailey Thomas LEE, OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Thomas helped guide her Wildcats back to the Western Mass. Division III championship match this season and another Berkshire League crown. She recorded 208 kills on 464 attacks in her final campaign, and added 13 blocks, as well.

Anna Wang LEE, DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Wang repeats as the DPOY, and for good reason. The Lee libero was one of the best players – period – in Western Mass. this year, helping guide her team to a Berkshire League crown and a spot in the Western Mass. Division III championship. Wang recorded 264 digs on the year and had 72 service aces.

Greg Geyer MOUNT GREYLOCK, COACH OF THE YEAR

The first-year coach for the Mounties made a splash right away, as the team went 15-4 on the year, including a win over Lee in the regular season. The Mounties went at least 1-1 against each team in the league this season, including turning around a 3-2 loss to Pittsfield at the start of the year with a 3-0 sweep. Greylock earned the No. 3 seed in the Western Mass. D-III tournament and made the semifinals.

WRESTLING Dylan Burke TACONIC, UPPER WEIGHT WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

Burke put together an excellent season individually, as his Braves won the Western Mass. and MIAA Division III team championship. Burke, wrestling at 182 pounds, won the Western Mass. D-III title, then finished as runner-up at the state meet. He topped 100 wins for his career this year, now at 119.

He won 48 matches on the season, including 26 via fall.

Zabion Powell TACONIC, LOWER WEIGHT WRESTLER OF THE YEAR

Powell capped off a remarkable wrestling career by helping his team to a first-ever MIAA Division III title, along with another Western Mass. crown. Powell set the school’s wins mark overall (168) and for a season (52), along with setting school records for career pins (117), and pins in a season (38). He won Western Mass. and MIAA D-III crowns at 145 pounds, and was third in the All-State meet.

BerkshireEagle.com

Jeremy Tetreault TACONIC, COACH OF THE

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YEAR

Tetreault gets the honors as the lead man for the Braves, but the coach also credited a deep staff with helping the Braves win a MIAA Division III state championship. His staff includes: Matthew Chamberlain, Derek Powell, Dwayne Miller, Scott Tremlett, Joe Pasquarelli and Ishmael Lytle.

Zabion Powell

Berkshire All Stars | Sunday, June 23, 2019

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Sunday, June 23, 2019 | Berkshire All Stars BerkshireEagle.com

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