By Nate Beutel
The resurgence of the Lakemen program on the field this past fall also spilled into the classroom.
The Wilson varsity football team amassed the highest GPA of any team in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Twelve players combined for an unweighted GPA of 95.789 percent for the first marking period of this school year.
Prior to Thursday’s varsity boys basketball game against Niagara-Orleans League rival Newfane, the players were presented with a NYSPHSAA Team Scholar-Athlete banner to be hung in the Zipp Gymnasium.
The 12 players honored were Ryan Kiely, Joe Starr, Alex Tubridy, Austin Fisher, Nate Meier, Steve Rieger, John Vincent, Cody Reimers, Adam Robins, Jordan Thilk, Cameron Sidote and Patrick Walch.
Additionally, eight other players had an average of 90 percent or better and were awarded a pin and certificate. They were Josh Kraft, Kyle Martin, Jake Maacks, Mitch Thrush, Ethan Baker, Derrick Smith, Brandon Konstanty and Nick Seefeldt.
“Let it be known that the driving force behind these athletes is head football coach Bill Atlas, who along with assistant coaches Brian Baker and Al Scarpine, stresses academics and moral character on a daily basis,” Wilson athletics director Charlie Jufer said.
Atlas, who just wrapped up his third season at the helm, believes that one of the biggest reasons for the award is the player’s willingness to stay after school for additional help. He also noted that it’s not uncommon for the coaches to lend a helping hand as well.
“I am very proud of them,” he added.
Contact reporter Nate Beutel at 282-2311, ext. 2262.
