September: Varsity Soccer Athletes of the Month

September's Athlete of the Month is senior co-captain Austin Huckabone.  Austin is the son of Ricky and Melissa Huckabone.  The team has had a great month of competition, and Austin's play has a lot to do with this success.  His ability to beat defenders with his speed and dribbling skills has made him a threat in every game.  In addition, he has been valuable connecting passes with other offensive players around the goal.  His leadership ability has also been noticeable in his role as captain.  We are looking forward to his strong play in the second half of the season.  Congratulations, Austin!!!

September's Athlete of the Month is senior captain Logan Cookinham.  Logan has scored 5 goals and has 10 assists at this point in the season.  She is a major leader for this girls' varsity team.  She has a very active role both defensively and offensively.  Her experience and skill will be a major factor in the team's success this season.  Congratulations, Logan!!!

October: X-Ctry Athletes of the Month

October's Athlete of the Month is Stefania Grimaldi.  Stefania is the daughter of Kris and Joe Grimaldi of Deerfield.  Stefania is a senior and has been a terrific role model for the younger girls on the team.  She is truly a caring and responsible member of the school community.  Stefania ran her best race this year at our Home Meet with a 5th place overall finish and a time of 21:42.  Stefania still remains the "World Record Holder" for Hot Dog Tag!  Great job Stefania, you have been a pleasure to coach!

October's Athlete of the Month is Nick Robinson.  Nick is the son of Amie and Andy Robinson of Ohio.  Nick is a senior and has been a tremendous leader on and off the course this year.  Nick set a personal record with a 7th place overall finish and a time of 18:49 at our Home Meet.  Nick has been instrumental in helping to foster a positive team culture.  Great job Nick, you have been a pleasure to coach!

November: Varsity Basketball Athletes of the Month

November's Athlete of the Month is senior Owen Bennett.  As the varsity team looks to build on their experience from last year, Owen has been a great leader by example.  He was in attendance for every function we held during the summer, has been dedicated to working on his strength and skill set this off-season and has demonstrated great leadership skills during practice thus far.  He works extremely hard on the court, is passionate about the game of basketball and is a great teammate.  The basketball program is lucky to have a "team first" player like Owen Bennett!!! Congratulations Owen and keep up the good work.

November's Athlete of the Month is sophomore Lily Martin.  Lily has shown outstanding effort in practice this season and has improved greatly during the off-season.  Her defensive effort and mindset stands out and she has also demonstrated a leadership role for her team.  She has also become more confident in her shooting and dribbling abilities.  Lily is going to be a major contributing factor to this season's success.  Congratulations Lily!!!

December: Varsity Cheer and Wrestling Athletes of the Month

December's Athlete of the Month is Trinity Barnello.  Trinity has shown great dedication and enthusiasm at practice this season.  She has not only taken on a leadership role this year, she is also willing to help the team whenever she can.  Trinity is willing to put in the work to help improve the routine.  She has shown great improvement in her skills and a willingness to try new skills as well.  She has also been able to provide great input for the cheer routine for this season.  Congratulations Trinity!!!

January: Varsity Indoor Track & Field Athletes of the Month

Senior Gage Smith is January's athlete of the month in Varsity Indoor Track and Field.  In his first year of indoor track, Gage is the team's leading sprinter.  He has qualified for sectionals in both the 55 meter and the 300 meter runs.  Gage also broke the school record in the 55 meter dash.  Gage will be an important contributor to team relays at the league and sectional championship meets.  Congratulations Gage!

Senior Stefania Grimaldi is January's athlete of the month in Varsity Indoor Track and Field.  A veteran track athlete, Stefania brings a wealth of experience to the team.  She was chosen as a captain by her teammates and she has shown herself to be an excellent leader.  Stefania has been a mentor for younger athletes on the team, patiently leading by example.  Hardworking and versatile, Stefania has qualified for sectionals in 4 different individual events this season.  She scores regularly against difficult competition and will be an important part of Poland's line-up in the League and Sectional Championships.  Congratulations Stefania!

February: Varsity Basketball

The February Athlete of the Month is senior captain Shelbi Hagues.  Shelbi has elevated her play and assumed a major leadership role on the team during the Section 3 playoffs.  Her desire to play at her best both offensively and defensively has proven to be a major spark for the team.  She has been extremely focused in practice, going outside of her comfort zone to help improve not only herself, but her teammates.  Shelbi has created havoc on opposing teams with her defense.  Her efforts and leadership on the basketball court have helped her team compete for a Section 3 Championship for the second year in a row!!  Congratulations Shelbi!!!

The February Athlete of the Month is senior Jackson Vail.  Jackson has displayed hard work, been coachable and demonstrated great leadership for our program all season long both on and off the court.  On court, he has posted multiple double-double outings (points and rebounds, 10 plus) and has been a defensive presence down low.  His willingness to accept coaching, work hard and be committed to the team's success is something that is appreciated by his coaches.  For these reasons and many more, he and his fellow seniors will be truly missed next year.  Great job Jackson!!!