MKA Seniors Earn a Variety of Athletic Awards
Congratulations to seniors Bennett Knowles, Amanda Mack, Luciano Calandra, and Griffin Weil on being selected for the following awards respectively: NJSIAA "Scholar-Athlete of the Year," Essex County "Scholar-Athletes of the Year," and Yogi Berra Museum "Best Teammate."
We invite you to learn more about each student and their award below!
Congratulations to Bennett Knowles ’20 (Varsity Golf Co-Captain), who was honored as MKA’s NJSIAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award recipient.
Head Coach Jeff Beer states…"Throughout his high school career, Bennett had numerous individual and team successes. In summer play, Bennett won the prestigious award of NJPGA U16 Player of the Year. In interscholastic competition, as a sophomore, he won Individual Medalist for the SEC Championship with an even par round. He won the team MVP award for lowest stroke average for the season three years in a row and was 1st Team All-Conference. As a junior he was a part of the 2019 team that advanced to the NJ Tournament of Champions and won first place in the SEC Championship.” Congratulations, Bennett!
Congratulations to Amanda Mack ’20 (Varsity Field Hockey Co-Captain and Varsity Softball Co-Captain) who was named MKA’s Essex County Scholar Athlete Award female recipient for the 2019-2020 school year.
Head Softball Coach Jess Sarfati states…"Amanda is a committed, determined, motivated, and passionate player and young woman, and she brings all of these qualities to each and every practice and game. Amanda is a selfless player who leaves her heart out on the field, and her teammates and coaches can consistently feel her
Amanda, who earned 1st team All-Prep and All-League in both Field Hockey and Softball, will be heading to Penn State University this fall where she will continue her softball career.
Congratulations to our 2019-2020 Essex County Scholar Athlete of the Year Award male recipient Luciano Calandra ’20 (Varsity Football Co-Captain and Varsity Baseball Co-Captain).
Head Football Coach Anthony Rea states…"Luciano was an exceptional player for the MKA football program earning 1st Team All-MIFL honors and being named MKA’s Defensive Player of the Year. He was a captain and provided tremendous leadership for his teammates. Luciano is the type of player that every coach dreams of coaching. He is committed, thoughtful, and sets a terrific example for his teammates. He is fiercely competitive and proud of his school and team. "Head Baseball Coach Ralph Pacifico states…”That talking about a season that never happened is extremely difficult when it comes to start thinking about the season that Luciano would have had. He improved every year and was an all-league and all-prep player last year and is one of the most dedicated players I have ever coached. He is a great leader and would have been one of the best players in the county this year.” Luciano will be heading to Lehigh University this fall.
Congratulations to Griffin Weil ‘20 (Varsity Boys Lacrosse) who was selected as MKA's recipient of the "Best Teammate Award" presented by the Yogi Berra Museum. Griffin plays the game of lacrosse with great passion and enthusiasm. His attitude is always respectful, positive, and upbeat. He has earned a tremendous amount of admiration and respect from both his coaches and his teammates.
Boys Lacrosse Head Coach Paul Edwards states…"Griffin took to his role as Boys Lacrosse Co-Captain with great pride, enthusiasm, and leadership. He worked closely with the coaching staff to develop an off-season workout program, was a leader in putting together the community service effort for Alex Gephart’s ‘06 troops in Iraq, and drove our team’s effort in the winter league. For as long as I coach, I know I will use Griffin as a tremendous example of what it means to put the team first…we and not ME.”
