The autumn varsity sports season is well on its way in Oyster Bay. Many young athletes have distinguished themselves. Several fine young athletes excelled right out of the gate and were chosen by the Oyster Bay Hight School coaches as Athletes of the Month for October 2014.
Cross Country Coach Kevin Cotter has athletes who consistently qualify for the states. Picking one to honor is a difficult task. Within this impressive group of talented athletes, one stands out: junior Alex Tosi, who recently broke the 17 minute barrier for a 5K course at Bethpage State park with a time of 16:52. This feat has not been accomplished since 2008.
After three meets, and eight teams Tosi has not been defeated by a single runner in conference IV. Tosi is an excellent role model for the younger runners on the team, by displaying a work ethic that very few can keep up with, and always maintaining a sense of humor that helps balance out the rigor of a hard day of running. Opponents, fans and coaches have reached out to compliment him on a fine job so far this season.
Girls Soccer Coach Phil Goldberg highlighted four girls for the Athlete of the Month honors: captains Jillian Tiberia, Lia Kakoulidis, Emma Devereaux and Rachel Wesley. All four senior captains are sharing an honor well deserved. Their hard work, dedication and leadership have set a positive example for the Lady Baymen.
Tiberia has proven invaluable to the team because of her unique talent to play anywhere she is needed both offensively and defensively. She has also scored a goal and is credited with two assists.
Kakoulidis has been a steady influence on and off the field, constantly cheering on her teammates. Her powerful “Rocket Shots” and crossing has set up scoring opportunities for the Lady Baymen.
Devereaux has played outstanding as a mid-fielder and defensive back. She constantly pressures opposing players, denying them scoring opportunities. She also has two goals to her credit.
Wesley, a tireless defender who anchors a defense that allows less than two goals per game, is always there supporting the defense make the “Big Play” and prevent a score.
Varsity Tennis Coach Greg Bilello found himself in the enviable position of having two United States Tennis Association (USTA) ranked players on his squad.
Courtney Kowalsky is a sophomore co-captain who plays second singles. She is undefeated this year, and as a varsity tennis player since seventh grade, has not lost a varsity match. Kowalsky is nationally ranked and plays in many competitive tournaments. She is also a talented badminton player who will be one of the top players in the county this year. As a captain, Kowalsky is a mentor to the other girls on the team.
Celeste Matute is a junior co-captain who has been a varsity tennis player since seventh grade. She plays first singles and is currently undefeated. As a returning all-county first singles player, she competes against the best player on every team she faces. A tennis player since the age of 4, Matute plays in many national tournaments and is ranked in the nation. She is a hard working player and excellent team leader. She is a disciplined student who is preparing to play division I tennis in college.
Cross Country Coach Kevin Cotter chose two outstanding athletes from the Girls Cross Country Team to honor. Linda Cameron and Christina Masiakos are the sole seniors of the girls cross country team. In the month of September, the girls led their teammates to an undefeated start of the season with a record of 8-0.
Cameron has been the first to cross the finish line in each of the Lady Baymen’s first three races, and is among the top runners in Conference 4. She continues to host workouts at her house during the summer, and is an excellent role model for the younger members of the team.
Masiakos is a four-year runner for the Lady Baymen, and has been extremely loyal to her teammates and coach. Masiakos has run with injuries, rarely complaining or making excuses if she does not meet her own expectations. While she is also a high achiever on the girls’ fencing team, there is no doubt that she is committed to her teammates in cross country, and she gives her very best each day.
Both girls have a very high academic record, lead their teammates by example, and provide inspiration to members of both the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams.
