SRC Athlete Students of the Month

Students who have excelled academically and athletically this school year have been selected by coaches of some athletic teams at Salmon River Central School for September, October and November’s Athlete Students of the Month.  Each month a boy and girl are chosen to receive certificates from the Hall of Fame Committee and a $25. certificate from Akwesasne’s Jreck Sub.  The students are selected and photographed by members of the HoF Committee.  These pictures will be hung on the walls in the H.S. lobby at Salmon River.

The first student nominated in September was Sierra Delormier, who was nominated by her swim coach Danielle French.  Sierra is in 11th grade and is one of the team’s captains.  During the month of September she swam on all three relay teams and swam 5 out of 8 individual events.  Her coach said, “Sierra is a very versatile swimmer and never complains about the events she is asked to swim.”  She is a teammate who not only pushes herself but also her team mates to do their best.  Sierra was also named to be a member of the All Northern selections and also attended at the NY State level of competition.

The male student for September was Dane Alexander. Dane is a Senior this year and plays his role as a defender and co-captain for the boy’s varsity soccer team.  He has led a young group of defenders by his ability to read and react to the play in front of him.  His coach, Chad Phippen, said, “Dane’s hard work and dedication on and off the field has earned himself all academic status and also the sportsmanship award for the team.

The female athlete chosen for October was Aubrey Phillips for the sport of varsity volleyball at Salmon River. Aubrey was chosen by her coach Nicole Deshaies. Aubrey was the team captain and she was one of the main middle hitters this year. She has dominated the floor by earning 22 blocks, 57 kills, 100 points served, 40 aces and 18 assists.  Most of all, her back row performance has been extraordinary.  Aubrey has improved dramatically by becoming more vocal and confident in her skills.  This year she has earned All Northern recognition and Academic All-Northern recognition.

SR’s soccer team coach Chad Phippen has chosen his player Tyler Smiddy as the student for the month of October.  Tyler is a senior midfielder playing his first varsity season.  Tyler has fit into the team as an excellent distributor of the ball as well as tracking back to help defend.  Through hard work, Tyler has worked himself into the starting lineup and continues to be an asset to the team.

The athlete chosen for the month of November was Rachel Benedict, captain of the Salmon River Varsity Volleyball Team.  She is by far the strongest leader that the team has.  She excels in the classroom as well as on the court.

She pushes herself like no other and always has a positive outlook during a game and practice.  Rachel ended the season with 176 points served, 84 aces, 152 assists, 45 kills and 1 block.  She is also a finalist for the Patti Baldwin Award for Section X. Rachel has earned All Northern recognition and also Academic All Northern recognition.

The male athlete chosen for November was Derek Hopps and he was picked by his coach Chad Phippen. Derek is a third year senior midfielder for the boy’s varsity soccer team. His ability and perseverance on the field is one of few.  His ability to lead by example and play at a high level is a trait that all athletes should exhibit.  Derek has and continues to lift his team from dire situations and turns it to positives by his natural ability.

Congratulations to all the chosen monthly athletes and keep up the good work.

Photos by Sesi King