The winter varsity sports season is heating up in Oyster Bay. Many fine young athletes have excelled this season and were chosen by the Oyster Bay High School coaches as Athletes of the Month for January.
When asked about her choice, cheerleading coach Kayla Bettineschi said, “My athlete of the month is Gabby Cornelious. Gabby is a hard-working athlete who is always willing to try new things when asked by her coach. She is a versatile cheerleader who is able to fly, base, back spot, and tumble, making her extremely valuable to the team. She is always on time for practices and games, and is an absolute pleasure to be around for her teammates and her coach.”
Fencing Coach John Bruckner said, “Senior Christina Masiakos is the Girls’ Fencing Athlete of the Month. Christina has been fencing since the seventh grade and is in her fifth year as a varsity member. In the 2013-’14 season, Christina was honored by Nassau County when she was awarded Second Team All-County recognition and finished No. 7 in the county in foil. As a senior, she has been named the girls’ team co-captain and the foil captain. Her skills on the strip have earned her an impressive 16-2 record thus far in a very competitive segment of the season. Her skills and leadership make her an excellent choice for this recognition.”
Bowling Coach Tim Brady picked junior Danielle Sugar as the Athlete of the Month representing the Lady Baymen Bowling Team. All members of the Lady Baymen team are first-year bowlers and thus far, Sugar has produced the highest average, highest single game and highest three-game series. She is a three-sport varsity athlete, competing in volleyball and softball as well, and is an excellent example of what a student athlete should represent, according to her coach.
“Danielle can be counted on to encourage a teammate, tutor a classmate and volunteer for the benefit of others, which is why she is an obvious choice to be a team captain,” said Brady. “The Oyster Bay-East Norwich school community is proud of and fortunate to have such a positive role model with impeccable character and integrity.”
Kevin Velasquez has been a varsity wrestler for the past three years. He is a two-time Small School All-County Wrestler, placing second the past two years in the Wrestling Championships.
This year, Velasquez has already won the Locust Valley Invitational Tournament and placed in two additional holiday tournaments. His success is due to his strong work ethic, dedication and discipline. He is a determined competitor, which will help him compete for a Nassau County Championship this month.
His coaches say Velasquez is “an individual who has always shown true sportsmanship. He is a team leader and a gentleman on and off the mat.” Velasquez is coached by 2012 Coaches of the Year Jay Davis and Doug Axman.
Rachel Wesley is in the midst of another outstanding winter track season. She is currently one of the top 600-meter runners in Nassau County, clocking in with a time of 1:42.97. Wesley has also run a very impressive 45.59 in the 300-meter and is the cornerstone of her team’s 4×400 meter relay. She is coached by Christopher Weber and Tom Neary.
