MKA's Two State Coaches of the Year Awards Cap Unprecedented Athletics Season
Once in awhile, all of the elements align and something special happens. That was the case for athletics at MKA this fall, when this small, private, academic institution with a total high school population of 427 students enjoyed an unprecedented season of success that resulted in five teams winning ten championships, including four state championships, an individual championship and two coaches being named Star Ledger New Jersey Coaches of the Year.
Making this accomplishment even more significant is the fact that the year began with adversity as the student body reeled from two tragic losses in our community: that of Indigo Brooks, a member of the Class of 2012 and an athlete and dancer, who lost her life to an aggressive virus, and of Al Rehus, a beloved staff member, student mentor, Cougar fan and confidante who succumbed to cancer.
“This was a season like no other for MKA Athletics.” Commented Director of Athletics Todd Smith. “With these losses to the MKA community early this fall, our kids and teams leaned on each other and became stronger as the days, weeks and months went by.”
The Field Hockey Team (18-4) that Brooks had been a part of just the year before had a remarkable season, becoming 2012 NJSIAA North I Group I Sectional Champions and 2012 NJISAA Prep B State Champions, while their coach, Injoo King, was named the 2012 Star Ledger State Coach of the Year.
The Boys’ Soccer Team (19-2-1) enjoyed a record-breaking season, claiming the 2012 NJSIAA Non-Public B State Championship, the 2012 NJSIAA North Non-Public B Championship, and for the first time ever, the 2012 SEC American Division Championship. And not to be outdone by the boys, the Girls’ Soccer Team (16-5-1) enjoyed an equally successful season, finishing as the NJISAA Prep B State Champions and 2012 SEC Liberty Division Champions.
Other female athletes met with similar success. The Girls’ Tennis Team (17-8) claimed the 2012 NJSIAA Non-Public B State Championship and the 2012 NJSIAA North Non-Public B Championship, and their coach, Bill Wing, was named 2012 Star Ledger State Coach of the Year for the second time in his career; while the Volleyball Team (20-4) won the 2012 SEC Liberty Division Championship.
In addition, the Boys' Cross Country Team captured 3rd Place in the Non-Public B State Championship and qualified for the Meet of Champions for the first time in nine years, and senior Will Dudek won the individual championship at the NJ Prep B Cross Country Championship. To complete the season, the Football Team (5-6) not only qualified for the State Play-Offs for the third straight year, but also advanced to the semifinals.
For Headmaster Thomas W. Nammack, these achievements were notable. “I am so proud of what our students accomplished this season. Not only did they successfully manage their academic demands with an extraordinarily long sports season, they retained their focus in the face of community tragedy, personal disruptions resulting from Hurricane Sandy, and for many, the added challenge of the college application process. Their success is a testament to their characters and owes much to the support of their teachers, coaches and families, and marks our School’s 125th anniversary year in an indelible and enduring manner.”