ELDRED, NY — Eldred Central School hosted its annual athletic awards ceremony on June 12, showing the community the sports stars and hard-working athletes who made the school proud.

Perhaps the most important of the awards is the Eldred Pride Award, “our biggest award of the year,” said Amanda Zgrodek, Eldred athletic director.

This year, it went to Keegan Baggata.

“He was on the basketball team. He usually sat on the bench, but every day showed up to practices and games to cheer on his teams, even though he may not be getting in. One basketball coach put Keegan in and the crowd went crazy. He got a three-point, and you would’ve thought he just won the championship game. He is an amazing young man [who] shows what Eldred pride is, working hard and being humble, always being there for your teammates and your school, and to never give up!”

Other awards followed:

Chris Gonzalez Sportsmanship, Community Service and Dedication Award

The award went to Matt Ranaudo for football and basketball, and to Regan Kiizer, who played cross county, basketball and track.

Tammi Reiss Leadership and Dedication Award

There were two recipients. Sean Furler was team captain for football, basketball and baseball, and Lindsey Zgrodek ran track and played softball.

“[Lindsey] broke a 48-year-old record in shot put, and two days later got an MVP after breaking the shot put record at a tourney in Livingston Manor—and posted her first homer,” the AD said.

Most Dedication and Desired Athlete

One award went to Cooper Stutz for soccer, basketball and track. He was “Section IX champion in the 200 meter and 400 meter, placed third in the 400 meter at the state qualifiers,” Zgrodek said.

The other went to Rayanna Quintana for soccer, basketball and softball. Rayanna was “nominated by the coaches, as she always showed up to practice, never gave up and worked hard every day.”

The Superintendent’s Team Award

That was awarded to the girls’ track team.

Section IX Awards

The recipients were Lindsey Zgrodek for Class D Softball Player of the Year and Bill Furler, Class D Softball Coach of the Year.

Most Valuable Player award for varsity baseball

Joshua Warming, pitcher, took home the award. (For more on the Warming siblings, see “Changes, honors in Eldred sports,” by Ted Waddell in the June 29 issue of the River Reporter.)

The Most Valuable Player Awards for varsity softball

The award went to Bryn Greenfield, center field; to Sydney Furler, catcher; to Molly McKerrell, outfield; and  Lindsey Zgrodek, third base.

The Most Valuable Player award for varsity track

Cooper Stutz received it for the 200 meter and 400 meter; Tabitha Smith received it for the long jump.

The Most Improved Player award for varsity baseball

Ben Gillespie

The Most Improved Player for varsity softball

Rayanna Quintana

The Most Improved Player awards for varsity track

Avery Moscatiello, sprinter; and Riley Schiredal, thrower

The OCIAA Scholar Athletes are Matt Ranaudo and Molly McKerrell.