OBEN Athletes Honored at March Board of Education Meeting
The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Board of Education meeting on Mar. 10 had a celebratory feel, as Athletic Director Shannon McEntee took to the podium to shine a spotlight on the district's winter sports athletes – and the numbers told an impressive story.
Eight out of ten varsity teams earned post-season bids this winter, a testament to the depth of talent across OBEN's athletic programs. Three of those teams – varsity wrestling, and the boys and girls basketball teams – pushed all the way to the semi-final rounds. All three also earned the distinction of having athletes named among Newsday's top players to watch.
On the mat, the wrestling team competed in the Division 2 individual county tournament with three grapplers punching their tickets to the state championships, where they advanced to the quarter-final rounds. On the hardwood, both basketball programs delivered competitive seasons that carried them deep into the postseason.
The indoor track and field teams lit up the record books. The girls team finished a remarkable second in the conference championship meet, while Zach Greene represented OBEN on the state stage in the 1600 meter run – crossing the finish line in a personal best.
Fencing had a banner season as well, with the individual county tournament hosted right at OBMHS. Gabriella Sherlock turned in a standout performance, finishing second in women's foil. Gabriella and teammate Riley Baehr were both recognized by Newsday as top female fencers to watch this year – a well-earned honor for two athletes who helped make the home tournament a memorable one.
Rounding out the highlights, the varsity cheerleading squad advanced to the UCA semifinals for the second consecutive year, a mark of consistency and excellence in a demanding competitive field.
All the athletes honored at the county or state level were called to the stage to receive a certificate of recognition from the Board of Education. Another noted achievement was that all ten varsity winter teams were named scholar-athlete teams – a reflection of OBEN's commitment to developing student-athletes in every sense of the word.
Following the awards, Ms. McEntee gave an update on the Physical Education, Health and Athletics department, beginning with an overview of athletic achievements this year. Across all 24 varsity programs in the fall and winter seasons, every single one achieved NYSPHSAA scholar-athlete team status. Fifteen of 19 varsity teams qualified for post-season competition, and eight individual athletes earned spots at state championships.
Two students received special recognition at the Nassau Zone ceremony: Lilly Moore and CJ Noboa were named OBHS Outstanding Physical Education Students of the Year. Andrew Jennette was named a News 12 Scholar Athlete, and Joseph Henry earned Newsday Athlete of the Week honors.
In the classroom, innovation was combined with practice. Health Education and Exercise Science and Injury Prevention courses partnered with the technology department to create a virtual reality experience allowing students to explore the systems of the human body. The district also revamped the PreK-5 health curriculum for the current school year, and next year, high school students will have the opportunity to earn CPR, AED and First Aid certification.
The athletic facilities themselves have gotten some love. The gymnasium has been refreshed with new banners, upgraded padding, a fresh coat of paint and a new sound system. Several teams have received new uniforms, and resurfacing projects for several ball fields are on the horizon.
Keeping the community connected to all of it is easier than ever. The athletics homepage on the district's new website has been redesigned for intuitive navigation, making it simple to find schedules and updates. Instagram and lobby monitors keep students, families and staff in the loop with photos and highlights from across all sports.
Last week brought the community together in a different way. The Staff Spike Off, a volleyball tournament featuring staff members from all three district schools, was a hit and a reminder of the spirit that runs through OBEN beyond game day.
With spring season underway and fall sports practices set to begin at the end of August, there's plenty more to look forward to.
Congratulations to all of OBEN's winter athletes and coaches on an exceptional winter season.