The Phoenix Central School District had a phenomenal winter sports season with several teams making it all the way to championship games.
The Varsity Wrestling Team won the Freedom National League Championship, and Cahal Donovan was named section 3 champion at his weight class. Both Donovan and Ross McFarland also finished second in the State Championships for their weight classes and Brad Dietz finished sixth in the state tournament.
Also excelling this season was the Boys Varsity Indoor Track team. Standout Chris Fisk won the pole vault competition and is the Sectional Champion of that event. Track teammates received the following placements in their sectionals tournaments: sixth-place in the pole vault for Eli Clark, fifth-place in both the pole vault and the triple jump for John Garofalo, fifth-place in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs for Bryce Byrns and breaking his own school record in the 1,000-meter run was Eric Leach who took home third-place for that event. Sean Madden took third-place in both the long jump and triple jump. The 4 by 200 relay team of Jacob Marr, Sean Madden, Chris Fisk and John Garoafalo placed third, and the 4 by 400 relay team of Larry Pilon, Cade Reed, Brandon Denniston and Matt Stellingwerf took fourth-place. The 4 by 800 relay team of Eric Leach, Bryce Byrns, Ryan Luke and Matt Stellingwerf placed third. The track team placed fifth overall in the highly competitive event.
Varsity Girls Indoor Track teammates Emilie Hilliard, Gianna DeRoberts, Hannah Gilbert and Tianna Martin placed fifth in the 4 by 400 relay and third in the 4 by 200 relay at sectionals. Hilliard also came in second in the 55 dash.
The Girls Varsity Basketball Team ended an impressive season, making it all the way to the first round of sectionals. Player Samantha Doupe was a 1st team all-league selection, while Caitlyn Connolly was a second team all-league selection and Shannon Dolan was an all-league honorable mention.
Stephen J. Musso, Phoenix Central School District Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, commended all winter athletes for having an exceptional season. He said students have learned vital and positive life skills, values and ethics in a climate that demands dedication, self-discipline and a strong work ethic.
“It is my hope that the overall positive experience athletes had, the variety of sports offered and the success of our teams will continue to grow interest among the student body,” Musso said.
John C. Birdlebough High School Varsity Wrestling Team members, from left: Brad Dietz, Ross McFarland and
Cahal Donovan stand proud after they were recently named some of the top wrestlers in their weight class in
the state.