OLMA Athletes Recognized at Awards Ceremony

As the school year comes to a close and summer nears, it becomes customary for students and faculty to look back and marvel at the past nine months of achievements. Coaches, athletes, and parents assembled Tuesday night at to honor the year in Mustangs athletics.

And what a year it was. Three varsity programs - soccer, tennis and cross-country - brought championships home to the Syosset prep school. Both soccer and tennis were undefeated in league play (NSCHSGAA).

“Each and every athlete put in the time and effort needed to ensure a championship,” Tennis coach Peggy Williams said.

Four of the members of the tennis team were awarded All-League honors, accolades based on a vote from opposing coaches.

The awards ceremony also focused on academic success.

“The thing I’m most proud of is that 17 of the girls on the varsity soccer team were named to the Academic All-Star team,” Soccer coach Richard Hogan said. “To me, that’s one of the most important things we ever did.”

Golf coach Steve Earley spoke of Hannah Pohalski who placed sixth in the New York State Tournament and helped the diocese win the State Championship. In addition to Pohalski, Kelly O’Brien, Aleksandra Jakobsze, and Hayley Caronia all qualified for the individual stroke play championships in the N.S.C.H.S.G.A.A.

Lacrosse player Patricia Takach was awarded the U.S Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award. The honor is given to a senior who has shown outstanding athletic talent, while maintaining a high grade point average. Takach participated in basketball, track and field, soccer, and lacrosse during her time at OLMA. She excelled in the classroom, posting an overall academic average of 92.0 and is headed to the University of Delaware.  

The Our Lady of Mercy Outstanding Athlete Award was presented to both Stephanie Viggiano and Courtney Chmil. Viggiano is committed to Siena on a softball scholarship, while Chmil has chosen to attend Fairfield on a lacrosse scholarship.    

Meghan Cerrone and Louise Lehmuller took home the Sister Patricia Hartigan Award. The award is presented to Seniors who show “spirit, hard work, involvement, cooperation, hard work and dedication to the athletic program.” Cerrone has been a member of the cross country, volleyball, basketball, and softball programs. Off the field, she is a member of the National Honors Society and served as assistant yearbook editor for two years. 

Lehmuller played lacrosse, basketball, and ran cross-country. She was also President of the Chess Club.

The night showcased how close knit the entire program is. Each athlete who was individually honored received rousing applause, showing an immense appreciation for not only fellow competitors, but the program as a whole.