LAKE HUNTINGTON – On the evening of June 11, Sullivan West’s auditorium was packed with proud families, coaches, and teammates as the school honored its spring athletes and celebrated the Class of 2025 senior athletes. The evening included heartfelt speeches, standout moments from each team, and recognition for students who exemplified sportsmanship, leadership, and perseverance.

Principal David Eggleton welcomed families, thanked staff, and spoke directly to the student athletes.

“To all of our student athletes,” he said, “participating in interscholastic athletics will provide you with some of the best life experiences for learning to deal with difficult situations, conflict, learning to communicate on multiple levels, and working with teammates.

Athletic Director Kurt Buddenhagen thanked his staff, especially the groundskeepers who kept the fields in pristine condition through a rainy spring season. 

While the 2025 spring sports teams of Sullivan West faced varying levels of success, Buddenhagen said, “Success comes from the effort you put in, the adversity you overcome, and being part of something bigger than yourself.”

Notably, the girls varsity track team finished second in their league, with a near perfect record. “We were undefeated going into our last dual meet of the season,” said Coach Joe Ebeling. “We had beaten Fallsburg, Chester, Seward, Liberty, O’Neill, and a number of other schools in our regular season. The final meet came down to us and Burke Catholic for the league title — second year in a row.” Despite the loss, Ebeling praised the team’s growth and determination throughout a weather-challenged season.

Team Awards

Throughout the evening, coaches presented team-specific awards recognizing individual athletes for their performance, improvement and leadership during the spring season.

Girls Varsity Golf

Coaches Award: Skye Crews

Miss Golf: Lila Kubenik

Boys Varsity Golf

Coaches Award: Sean Gabel

MVP

 Matthew Dubois

Girls Varsity Track & Field

Coaches Award: 

Katelynn Smith

MVP

Gracyn Halloran

Rookie of the Year:

Allison MacArthur

Outstanding Contributors

Paige Sigelakis, Emerson Mall

Boys Varsity Track & Field

Track MVP

 Bryce Pressler

Field MVP

Dylan Lockwood

Varsity Softball

Most Valuable Offensive Player 

Jocelyn Doyle

Most Valuable Defensive Player

 Mary Chellis

Miss Softball

Kearstin Knapp

Varsity Baseball

Coaches Award 

Evan Ebert

MVP 

Alec Hubert

David F. Curreri Memorial Scholarship

 Established in 2010 by the parents of David Curreri, a beloved Sullivan West teacher and coach who passed away early in life. The $3,000 scholarship honors a student who demonstrates a strong commitment to both academics and athletics.

This year’s recipient was Matthew Dubois, a multi-sport athlete, scholar and team leader recognized throughout the night for his contributions on and off the field.

Billy Moran Memorial Scholarship

Established in 1983, the Billy Moran Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a Sullivan West student-athlete who exemplified leadership, academic excellence, and sportsmanship across multiple sports. The $3,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior who maintains a high GPA while lettering in at least two sports each year.

This year’s recipient was Evan Ebert, who coaches described as “the epitome of being a leader.” In addition to competing in football, basketball, and baseball, Ebert maintained an academic average over 92 and was praised for his work ethic, humilit,y and team-first attitude.

“Evan is a great athlete — and an even better person,” said Brent Rosenberger, one of Moran’s closest friends, who presented the award on behalf of the selection committee.

The full list of award recipients can be viewed at scdemocratonline.com.