The College of Central Florida Athletics Department and first year Manager of Athletics, Marty Smith, honored the 2022-2023 student-athletes last week with an awards banquet dinner. The Patriots have much to be proud of this season. Women's Cross Country participated in their first year of competition under Head Coach Lauren Lumley and had ten girls run this season. Both baseball and softball had record setting years with their teams both winning the Mid-Florida Conference Championships. It was the fifth straight title for softball and the third out of the last four for baseball. Both teams will continue post season play this weekend to defend their state titles frmo last year.
We were honored that the school President, Dr. James Henningsen, was present along with former Athletic Director Bob Zelinski and his wife Donna. Zelinski was awarded the Dr. Charles Dassance Award for his dedication over the years to CF Athletics and the Scholar Athlete Award, given to the top academic athlete on each team, will now be named in his honor as the "Bob Zelinski Scholar Athlete Award."
Here are this year's recognitions and award winners with pictures below:
Linda Nunley - Academic Advisor
Sharon Altany - Business Manager Athletics
Softball
Patriot Award – Emily Konz
Offensive Player of the Year – Brooke Roberts
Defensive Player of the Year – Gianna Guerriero
Pitcher of the Year – Haley Guffey
Bob Zelinski Scholar Athlete – Avery Cervone
Women's Cross Country
Patriot Award – Kalyn Sitterson
Most Improved Runner – Madison Strickland
Bob Zelinski Scholar Athlete – Heidi Kearney
Most Valuable Runner – Heidi Kearney
Baseball
Patriot Award – Juan Correa
Offensive Player of the Year – Edwin Toribio
Defensive Player of the Year – Kareh Valentin
Pitcher of the Year – Cam Schuelke
Dr. James Harvey Award – John Marant
Bob Zelinski Scholar Athlete – James Hill (not pictured)