Syosset Athletes of the Year

Hannah Camhi - Syosset Braves Tennis Player

Being the top tennis player on Long Island's top team isn't an easy task, but handled it without a problem in 2010.

The junior's undefeated conference season propelled the Syosset High School girls tennis team to their .

Camhi's 6 – 0, 6 -3 win over Carly Siegal in the championship's first singles match set the tone for the dominant Braves victory. 

But it wasn't all easy for Camhi on that day. She fell behind in the second set, needing a comeback to notch the victory.

"I knew I won the first set pretty solidly," Camhi told Syosset Patch after her . "I felt confident, even though I lost the first game, that if I just stayed solid and played like I did in the first set that I could win the next bunch of games."

A week after the high school championship match, she finished second in the state championships.

But Camhi's success is hardly surprising - she has been competed and excelled at the high school varsity level since the eighth grade.

"It was the greatest social experience," Camhi said of her eighth grade season. "It was also confidence building. It just made me feel good walking in this school and knowing I was the best."  

The dominance figures to continue. Being only a junior, Camhi will be back on the Syosset High School tennis courts this fall, helping the Braves vie for a Long Island Tennis Championship three-peat.

Evan Kappatos - Syosset Braves Linebacker

Also just a junior - made his presence known on the football field this season.

His 115 tackles and three sacks earned him The award is given to Nassau County's best linebacker.

"It was a fantastic feeling," Kappatos said about winning the award twice. "I was really happy that my efforts paid off in the end."

The linebacker was integral in the Braves late season march into the playoffs. He had two of his three sacks in

The soon to be senior is already thinking about 2011.

"I want to get a little bit faster and stronger," Kappatos said. "I want the team to put their heart into the next season, play harder, and work extremely hard to get a better result."

The Braves football team , but Kappatos and company gave it their best. But football is not his only sport - watch out for Kappatos on the wrestling mat's this winter. 

Honorable Mention's

Dan Ventricelli – Syosset Braves Quarterback

Considering the fact that he played sparingly during the regular season, his accomplishments are even more impressive. Making his first start in a must win game against East Meadow, guided the Braves into the playoffs.

But it was against East Meadow in the first round that the senior really made his mark - . The performance also broke a 40-year Syosset High School record, set by Chris Kupec in 1970.

While the Braves s, Ventricelli certainly left his mark on the team. Look out for him on the baseball field come spring. 

Jackie Teller – Syosset Braves Swimmer

dominated the pool this year. Her 1.59.19 finish at the Nassau County Championships sent her to the states. There, she took home 18th place honors in the 200 free style and finished 15th in the breast stroke. Finishing in the top 20 in both events is considered excellent.

Only a sophomore, Teller has two more years swimming for the Braves. That's a very good thing.

Final Thoughts

While this certainly was a terrific year for Syosset athletics, the best is clearly yet to come. Cahmi will be back on the courts to help guide the girls tennis team to their third straight title, while Kappatos will be back to try for his third straight Piner award and Teller has two more years left to try and bring home a Braves championship. Look out in 2011 for these athletes - and let us know who you think also deserves recognition!

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