Shenendehowa honors winter athletes: wrestling, hockey, track and unified teams highlighted

At a March 24 board meeting, Shenendehowa school leaders recognized winter athletic teams and student achievements across nine sports and 20 teams.

Director of Athletics Lucas LaBarre said the district fielded more than 550 winter athletes supported by 42 coaches and celebrated 13 varsity teams meeting the district scholar‑athlete threshold. "We're really proud of that," he said, noting more than 170 individual athletes met the GPA standard for recognition.

Coaches and teams were called forward and praised for competitive and academic success. Coach Dan Palmerino described the girls wrestling season as “phenomenal,” noting a 12–0 record, Suburban Council and Section Two championships and multiple state placings; sophomore Ava Germaine was recognized as a repeat New York state champion. Coach Kevin Zuti highlighted the boys wrestling team’s 12–1 record and Section Two dual meet title. Hockey coach Dale Ross said the team finished 20–3–1 overall and continued a multi‑year run of Section Two championships and regional competitiveness.

Other programs recognized included bowling (section champions and state qualifiers), girls and boys indoor track (national and sectional finishes; the girls 4x mile placed third nationally), Nordic and alpine skiing section champions, boys swimming and diving state qualifiers, and several unified teams. LaBarre and coaches also described program initiatives such as intramural Nordic, mental‑health and leadership sessions for athletes, and partnerships with the Shen Foundation and booster clubs.

The board gave athletes and coaches a standing ovation and thanked families, staff and community partners for support.