LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — It was a busy week at the “Home of the Bulldogs” as Sullivan West hosted a triple header of ceremonies during March 2018.

It led off on Monday, March 19 with track star Michael S. Mullally signing the dotted line to become a West Point cadet, followed by the annual 2017-2018 Winter Sports Awards ceremony in the auditorium, and wrapped up on Thursday, March 22, as Collin Hauschild, a three sports student athlete, affixed his John Hancock to a “celebratory signing form” for enrollment at Earlham College in Richmond, IN.

“We love to celebrate our students and all their accomplishments… it’s been a great winter,” said Dr. Nancy Hackett, superintendent of schools at Sullivan West Central School District.

Recalling watching several of the seniors race down the halls as seventh graders, she added, “This whole senior class is just a happy bunch, all of them… it’s been fun watching them grow and mature… each picked their own sports.”

In the wake of remarks by high school principal Mark Plescia and athletic director David Franskevicz, during which they lauded the student athletes and recounted a few of their major accomplishments from the winter season of sports, the coaches introduced their players and handed out glittering trophies.

The boys’ track team garnered praise from a couple of local elected officials, and was pronounced in a letter sent to coach Ron Bauer.

“It is always nice to learn of great things happening in our community… please extend my sincere appreciation to your team and all those involved in contributing to their remarkable season,” said NYS Sen. John J. Bonacic.

“These individuals obviously have the skill, dedication and commitment needed to be successful… I am sure there is tremendous pride in this team…,” he added.

NYS Assemblywoman Aileen M Gunther included a personal handwritten note to coach Bauer.

“Please congratulate Mike (Mullally) and Tallula (Gann) on their medal wins,” she said.

New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Team Awards (75% of the team with a 90% average or higher): Varsity girl’s alpine skiing, varsity girls basketball, varsity girl’s winter indoor track.

For a full-length version of this story including additional special recognitions by NYSPHSAA and more photographs visit www.riverreporteronline.com.