Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda UFSD
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- Kenmore Town of Tonawanda UFSD
- Overview
Students and Staff Earn Numerous Athletic Distinctions at Close of Spring Season
The 2017 spring season ended with numerous accomplishments and achievements for Ken-Ton School District students and staff.
Kenmore West Baseball finished the spring season as Niagara Frontier League (NFL) champions for the first time since 1993. Two members of the Kenmore West Track & Field team took home Section VI titles; Christina Wende won first place in the triple jump and the 100 hurdles, and Jahlel St. John won first place in the pentathlon. Wende also won three NFL titles in the 100 hurdles, triple jump and long jump, and she ultimately placed fifth statewide in the triple jump. Also, the combined Kenmore Boys Rugby team won third place in New York State.
Scholar-Athlete Essay Award
Grace Ferguson, who graduated in June from Kenmore West High School, was the New York State Athletic Administrators Association (NYSAAA) Student-Athlete Scholar Essay winner. To qualify for this distinction, students have to demonstrate excellence in academics, athletics, leadership and community service and write two essays on sportsmanship and what athletics has meant to them.
Grace was chosen as the Section VI female winner. Her name then went to NYSAAA for consideration with the other 10 sectional winners and she was ultimately selected for the statewide distinction.
Grace has earned 14 varsity letters in soccer, basketball and softball. She has been a New York State Scholar Athlete (GPA of 90 percent or higher) for all her 14 seasons. She is a six-time team captain and an all-league performer. Grace is ranked seventh in her class and completed the rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Program.
Secretarial Award of Excellence
Leah Canestaro, administrative assistant in the athletics office, was the recipient of the NYSAAA Judith A. Martens Secretarial Award of Excellence for all of Section VI.
Each section in New York State is granted the opportunity to choose one administrative assistant for this honor. Leah was recognized for her professionalism, dedication, integrity, and for the service she provides hundreds of coaches and thousands of families and athletes. Leah has been Ken-Ton School District since 2001, joining the Athletic Department in 2010.
“Leah's commitment to our students, coaches and district is purely based on the philosophy of making our athletes’ experiences the best they can be,” said Athletic Director Brett Banker. “She is dedicated to the department and works with professionalism and a high level of integrity.”
NFL Awards
The 80th annual Niagara Frontier League Banquet was held on June 7 at Lockport Town & Country Club. The following individuals and teams were honored:
League Champions:
- Kenmore East Girls Basketball (Coach Jack Blanch; sixth title in Blanch's career and first since 2008)
- Kenmore West Boys Basketball (Coach Mike Meetze; third in last six seasons)
- Kenmore West Baseball (Coach Johnny Haynes; first title for Ken-West since 1993)
Coaching Service Awards:
- Kenmore East's Kyle Witul (10 years) and Jack Blanch (20 years)
- Kenmore West's Brett Besancon (15 years) amd Cindy Cranston (20 years)
Coaches of the Year:
- Kenmore East: Jack Blanch
- Kenmore West: Rob Roszak
Cornerstone Award Honorees:
- Kenmore East: Ralph Critelli
- Kenmore West: Barb Sefried
Most Sportsmanlike Team:
- Kenmore East: Girls Tennis and Boys Swimming
- Kenmore West: Boys Volleyball
Sports Chairpersons Recognized for Service:
- Kenmore East: Jay Robbins (golf) and Nathan Bourke (boys swimming)
- Kenmore West: Matt Chimera (softball), Marty Madore (boys track) and Mike Panepinto (girls track)