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WMA Awards

Athletes of the Month

January 2023

Girl athlete smiling

Arielle Chechile ’24
Winter Track 

Throughout the season, and especially in January, Arielle has proven herself to be a talented and dedicated athlete. Oftentimes achieving first place in her individual events of the 55- and 300-meter race, Arielle also contributes positively in the 4x200 meter relay. However, she has done an exceptional job in the high jump, recently breaking the school record at Exeter with a height of 5 feet, 2 inches. Arielle also runs the extra mile both at meets and in practice. She recently competed in the competitive New Balance Track Invitational and did well among a host of talented races. Outside of meets, her strong leadership skills help to engage and motivate the team to achieve their goals and constantly improve. 

 

Female student playing basketball

Caterina Ravosa ’26
Girls Basketball

In a month that saw the Titans go 5-2 and finish it on a three-game win streak, Caterina also found herself playing the best basketball of her young career. During this seven-game stretch, Caterina had averages of 19.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.8 steals and 1 block in 21.4 minutes, while collecting four double-doubles as well. Caterina continues to show growth in trying to improve on the defensive end, being a consistent rebounder, good shot selection, and a better vocal communicator on the floor and in the locker room. Caterina is just beginning to scratch the surface on the player she can be, and the coaching staff and her teammates push her every day to be the best version of herself that she can be. 


Other nominees
Hanser Yoon - Wrestling
Margherita Negri - Skiing
Rilee Harris - Swimming

Male student running

Kayden Chhoun ’24
Winter Track

Kayden has grit and motivation to always improve his times through his excellent performances during the season. Competing in the difficult events of the 600- and 1,000-meter race, his dedication can be seen with his constant excellent performances. These outstanding performances no doubt stem from an excellent work ethic as Kayden always gives his best effort in practice, frequently volunteering to run the extra distances. His maturity and focus can be witnessed during meets as he is always prepared to compete in his events. Recently, Kayden has also attended an extra meet at the New Balance Track in Boston, competing well against a competitive pool of athletes. 

 

Male student playing basketball

Tate Laczkowski ’23
Prep Basketball

Tate experienced a great month of January averaging 10 points, 7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, and a 33% 3-point shooting average. Tate was a big reason the team went 5-3 in the month of January. Tate showed that he can score the ball with consistency from inside and out. On the defensive side of the ball, Tate showed that he is a top shot blocker in the league and really showed as the anchor of the defense. Tate had a great month on both sides of the ball and showed that he is a pivotal player going forward in order for the team to have continued success. 

Other nominees
Ben Morin - Skiing 
Carter O’Brien - Hockey
Sheldon Tang - Swimming
Ryan Keating - Varsity Basketball
Owen Swanson - Wrestling 
Guo Yin - Riflery

Archives: Winter 2022-2023

December 2022

Female student skiing

Margherita Negri ’23
Skiing 

Female student playing basketball

Meagan Schuermann ’23
Basketball

Male student playing basketball

Jeremiah Dorsey ’23
Prep Basketball

Archives: Fall

November 2022

Female student playing volleyball

Abril Vila Gil ’23
Girls Volleyball

Korbin Dixon ’24
Water Polo

October 2022

Female soccer layer smiling

Ally Orquiola ’25
Girls Soccer

Male cross country runner in action

Tianze “Spark” Xiong ’23
Boys Cross Country

September 2022

Female student playing soccer

Katie Hutcheson '26
Girls Soccer

 

Male student playing football

Desmond Perezcastaneda ‘23
Football


 

Athletes of the Week

Feb. 20 - 25

female student smiling

Kai Yi Lin ’25
Riflery

Kai Yi had a great two days of practice last week leading up to the Connecticut High School League State Riflery Championship match. She turned that hard work into a career-best tying score of 187 (out of 200) in the biggest match of the season. That score was big for the team as it came early in the match and gave the team a solid score to build confidence around, which steered a path to the championship.

Female student playing basketball

Jessica Ethier ’23
Basketball

Jess has been unselfish, tough, coachable, vocal, dedicated to serving her teammate and being positive. She has worked hard every day, whether she knew she was going to start and play 32 minutes, or if she would not even enter the game that day but for two minutes. Her energy is consistent. Her love and respect for the game, her teammates and her coaches is unconditional. And she is the role model and statue of what it is about to play for this team. She is a star student (never a GPA marking period below 4.0). She is a caring teammate. She is a leader in the locker room, on the practice floor, during film study, in the games whether in the game or on the bench, and with her coaches. The team has been blessed to have Jess for four years in our program.

 

Other nominees
Eliza Leach - Swimming
Adrianna Chechile - Winter Track 
Hanser Yoon - Wrestling 
Margherita Negri - Skiing

Male student playing hockey

Jordan Blais ’23
Hockey

Jordan had a great week of practice for the hockey team and this carried right into the final game of the season against Canterbury. Jordan set the tone on the ice for his teammates and recorded the only goal in a 5-1 loss to Canterbury School. His work ethic and leadership on and off the ice has been pivotal for our young program. He was a pleasure to work with all season. The coaches both feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach Jordan this winter. 

Male student playing basketball

Jon Medley ’23
Prep Basketball

Jon experienced a great week for Boys' Prep Basketball. He averaged 12.3 points per game and secured four rebounds and one steal per game. Jon had a very productive week in tough games with Cheshire, MacDuffie and Brimmer and May. Jon's efforts played a big role in qualifying for the playoffs. He has done this all year for the team as a big two-way player presence. 

 

Other nominees -
Rouri Takahashi - Winter Track 
Eoin Cavanaugh - Swimming
John Crocker - Wrestling
Shea Walsh - Varsity Basketball

Archives: Winter 2022

Girls

Female student playing basketball

Meagan Schuermann ’23
Basketball

Female swimmer

Cecilia Geijo Rumeu De Armas ’25
Swimming

Female student smiling

Madaket Stoltz ’23
Winter Track

Female student skiing

Margherita Negri ’23
Skiing

Female student running a race

Adrianna Chechile ’26
Winter Track

 

Female student wrestling

Yumin “Yuna” Rho ’23
Wrestling

Female student smiling

Abby Dorunda '24
Girls Basketball

 

female student smiling

Rilee Harris '24
Swimming

 

Female student swimming

Maddie Hong ’23
Swimming

 

Female student smiling

Ava Aguiar ’23
Winter Track

 

Female wrestler smiling

Hanser Yoon ’24
Wrestling

 

Female student posing for riflery

Marisa Cyboron ’24
Riflery

 

Female student playing basketball

Meagan Schuermann ’23
Girls Basketball

 

Female student running

Arielle Chechile ’24
Winter Track

 

Female student playing basketball

Caterina Ravosa ’26
Girls Basketball

Boys

Male student skiing

Ben Morin ’24
Skiing

Male student playing basketball

Adil Kamara ’24
Varsity Basketball

Male student smiling

David Prickett ’23
Winter Track

Male student smiling

Owen Swanson ’24
Wrestling

Male student skiing

Giorgi Mumladze ’23
Skiing

 

Male student competing in track

Mark Tobias ’25
Winter Track

 

Male student playing basketball

Korbin Dixon '23
Prep Basketball

 

Male student looking at camera

Arzym Li '24
Riflery

 

Male student swimming

Sheldon Tang ’23
Swimming

 

Male student looking at camera

Askar Bakirdinov ’24
Riflery

 

Male student playing hockey

Carter O'Brien ’23
Hockey

 

Male student wrestling

John Crocker ’25
Wrestling

 

 

Male student playing hockey

Ryan Rhodes ’23
Hockey

 

Male student playing basketball

Jeremiah Dorsey ’23
Prep Basketball

Archives: Fall 2022

Female student running a race

Kinaya Bowe ’28
Girls Cross Country

Male student playing soccer

Michael Dorunda ’24
Boys Soccer

Female field hockey player smiling

Callie Dunbar ’24

Field Hockey

Male water polo athlete in action

Sheldon Tang ’23

Water Polo

Female athlete playing volleyball

Hannah Grudzien ’24
Girls Volleyball

Male student playing football

Tyler Poirier ’23
Football 

Female student playing field hockey

Mae Lempke ’25

Field Hockey

Male student running in a race

Tianze “Spark” Xiong ’23

Boys Cross Country 

Female student playing soccer

Julia Besse '23
Girls Soccer

Male student playing soccer

Jaime De Los Casares '24
Boys Soccer

Female student running a race

Emma Landry '25
Girls Cross Country

Male student playing water polo

Federico Felli '23
Water Polo

Female student playing volleyball

Abril Vila Gil '23
Girls Volleyball 

Male student playing football

Joe Weidl '23
Football

Female student playing soccer

Maddie Stoltz '23
Girls Soccer

Male student a running race

Kayden Chhoun '24
Boys Cross Country 

 

Athletes and fans celebrating

 

Commencement Awards

Dr. George E. Rogers Scholar Athlete Award

In 1966, the Monson Academy faculty established the George E. Rogers Award to honor a member of the graduating class for scholarship and participation and sportsmanship in athletics. The members of the faculty have recognized the following students as having those qualities indicated in the award.

  • 2022 - Kyle Filipowski
  • 2021 - Khalil Kamara
  • 2020 - John Adams
  • 2019 - Ania Axas
  • 2018 - Wenjun Chang
  • 2017 - Emma Kindblom
  • 2016 - Julian Alexis
  • 2015 - Margaret Harrington
  • 2014 - Jackson FrenchRobitaille
  • 2013 - Phillip Antonacci
  • 2012 - Michael Mendes
  • 2011 - Jeremy Gilfor
  • 2010 – Adrianne T. Hanson
  • 2009 – Russell Dinkins
  • 2008 – Brigid M. Jurgens
  • 2007 – Matthew D. Pentkowski
  • 2006 – Olivia C. Clement
  • 2005 – Alexander Ely
  • 2004 – Stacie Brzoska
  • 2003 – Anthony Choquette
  • 2002 – Kathryne Scyocurka
  • 2001 – Jennifer Reid

Phil Shaw Award

Phil Shaw joined the Wilbraham faculty in 1934 and served well as a teacher, Chairman of the Science Department, varsity soccer and track coach, and Athletic Director until his retirement in 1969. His portrait hangs in an honored place in our Athletic Center Board Room. Mr. Shaw dedicated his life to developing character in young people. He believed in healthy competition and a high degree of sportsmanship. This award is presented by the faculty to the male and female students in the junior or senior class who have shown hard work, perseverance, unselfishness, and a spirit of cooperation in athletics.

  • 2022 - Cara Murphy; Deven Austin
  • 2021 - Rhaymi Porter; Conor Murphy
  • 2020 - Xin "Julie" Xiong; Will Crocker
  • 2019 - Alana Perkins; Idan Tretout
  • 2018 - Kayla Mokwuah; Andrew Nagle
  • 2017 - Katelyn Cronin; Alexander Claudio
  • 2016 - Sydney Liptak; Wenyen Gabriel
  • 2015 - Molly Socha; Evan Roy
  • 2014 - Megan Pehoviak; Olexandr "Sasha" Oliinyk
  • 2013 - Carly Cronin; Joe Thibault
  • 2012 - Marissa McDermott; Ryan McLarney
  • 2011 - Chloe Snyder; Derrick Barnagian
  • 2010 – Michaela A. Rollings; Adam J. Ginsberg
  • 2009 – Chelby J. Wakefield; Aaron P. Haas
  • 2008 – Rosalyn C. Chesky; Joseph T. Salomone
  • 2007 – Kristin M. Coderre; Gregory J. Balicki
  • 2006 – Laura E. Coderre; Jacob R. Eddy, David J. Kreps
  • 2005 – Katelyn Stolpinski; Benjamin Primo
  • 2004 – Marisa Barone; Colin Cook
  • 2003 – Stacie Brzoska; Jeffrey Adams
  • 2002 – Angelique Kelley; Sherod Harris
  • 2001 – Lauren Pinkston; Charles Bridge

Trustees Cup

The annual Trustees Cup is the most coveted athletic team award at the Academy. The award takes into account a team’s success on the field, grade point average, team spirit and community service.

  • 2021-22 - Girls Track & Field
  • 2020-21 - None chosen (COVID-19)
  • 2019-20 - Boys Basketball
  • 2018-19 - Boys Track & Field
  • 2017-18 - Riflery
  • 2016-17 - Girls Basketball
  • 2015-16 - Softball
  • 2014-15 - Baseball
  • 2013-14 - Softball
  • 2012-13 - Boys Lacrosse
  • 2011-12 - Girls Swimming
  • 2010-11 - Girls Volleyball
  • 2009-10 - Girls Lacrosse
  • 2008-09 - Girls Soccer

 

Academy Notables

Harold 'Bud' Porter '44W

Harold Bud Porter photo

Harold Bud Porter '44W was honored for his remarkable athletic ability. At Wilbraham Academy, he was a five-sport athlete, playing both baseball and track in the spring. More than once he trotted across the field from his baseball game, changed his footwear, and ran a heat in a track meet. Bud had a 75-year association with the Academy, having entered the Winchester School as a fifth grader.

Capt. Timothy Jessup '87 USMC

Tim Jessup '87

The late Captain Timothy Jessup '87 USMC was the heart and soul of the Varsity Water Polo team during his tenure at the Academy. Coach Steve Gray '70W credited Tim's energy and magnetic personality for the longevity of the water polo program, which celebrated its 35th season in 2019.

Philip H. Shaw Sr.

Phil Shaw Sr. photo

Former coach and faculty member Philip H. Shaw Sr. of Wilbraham Academy was posthumously inducted into the new WMA Athletic Hall of Fame during inaugural ceremonies held on campus. Philip H. Shaw Jr. '57W gave an eloquent induction speech to honor his father of his coaching prowess in football, soccer and track as well as his time as Athletic Director at Wilbraham

Track & Field 1989

WMA 1989 track team photo

The 1989 Track & Field Team were New England Champions. Coach Jeff Siekierski remembered the runners, jumpers, sprinters and throwers as all having the four elements of team success: passion, work, knowledge and a common goal.

Philip J. Cardone

Phil Cardone photo

Phillip J. Cardone, former coach and faculty member of both Monson Academy and WMA, was inducted into the new WMA Athletic Hall of Fame. He was honored for his many legendary contributions to the football, wrestling, and lacrosse programs before a large gathering of alumni, family, and friends. Andrew Bazarian '86 gave the induction speech, which pointed out the many ways that Coach Cardone formed the characters of the young men and women he taught. Phil remained a fixture around campus as a volunteer landscaper, keeping WMA beautiful before his passing in Jan. 2019.

Monson Football 1966

Monson Football team 1966

The Monson Academy Football Team, coached by WMA Hall of Fame coach Phil Cardone and Ed Baker, was undefeated in 1966. Coach Baker remembered the transformation of the players from a "ragtag group that were not a pretty sight" into a team of self-confident athletes who completed a season that "changed them forever."