RHS Athletic Awards Speeches

The following speeches were given at the Roslyn High School Athletic Awards program, held on Monday, June 10. Both speeches are by graduating seniors, reminiscing on their athletic careers at Roslyn High.

Joanna D. Cohen, 13-season athlete

Running is second nature to humans. With the first breath of life, we are given a sense of touch and a sense of sight. These qualities have been embedded into our anatomy. Yet, when we learn to walk, it is a gradual process that takes practice and guidance. Eventually, we refine our skill into the ability to run. Running has become a special part of my existence, and helps define who I am. It has given me courage and strength, and a new way to look upon life.

The official calls for the start of my race, and I take my place on the starting line. I start to feel the wonderful sensation of butterflies in my stomach as I focus on the upcoming event. As I wait for the gunshot that marks the start of the race, I think to myself that the most valuable lesson that I've learned from my running is that life is unpredictable. Situations arise, and one must be flexible to learn and grow from them. I remember the day in the seventh grade when I had forgotten my softball mitt, and wasn't allowed to try out for the team. On a whim, I decided it was time to try something new, and go out for the track team. I never had any prior knowledge of running, I could not even tell the difference in training between a sprinter and a long distance runner. But, by being willing to take a chance, running has completely changed my life, and has become an intricate part of who I am. I learned that in life one should not be afraid of change or the unknown. In fact, a new path might be more exciting, challenging, and rewarding than the road not taken.

The official shoots his gun, and the race begins. As I push off from the starting block and move into my sprint formation, I think about how running has become my sense of security. It takes me away from everyday life and transports me into another world; it's just me and my two feet on the track, with my own thoughts constantly pulsing through my head. As the seconds pass, I see a girl's leg in front of me, reminding me of the time I tripped while running a race. That accident left a scar on my right knee, a permanent tattoo given to me by the track, which has always reminded me that nothing is achieved in life without hard work and sacrifice. I think about how running has taught me to become more competitive with myself; with each upcoming race, I am racing against my own time, trying to achieve a personal best. It has also taught me that hard work and sacrifice, in all aspects of life, will help me achieve and reach the high goals that I set for myself. As I am running, I hear my coach's voice telling me that running is 90 percent concentration and only 10 percent skill. I can accomplish most of my goals with this philosophy.

As I cross the finish line, my thoughts and emotions slow down, to catch up to the world that seemed to be moving so slowly around me. I catch my breath, knowing I can relax, now that my race is over. The thrill of the event has left me with an indescribable, exhilarating experience; however, this is a rapidly fleeting emotion. I know I will go back to reality, where this feeling will be lost, but I am content knowing that I will soon be back in my special world.

Patrick Romanello, 12-season athlete

I have been asked to talk to you about sports. For a few moments I would like to share my thoughts and feelings about how sports has influenced me and my life at Roslyn High School.

Sports has been a wonderful experience for me, but I have not achieved everything on my own. Therefore, I would first like to thank the district for the opportunity and support that they have given to all of Roslyn's athletic teams. I also wanted to thank all of my coaches - in football - Coach Stein, Coach Buschi, and Coach Medford - in wrestling - Coach Marlow and Coach Petrancosta - and in baseball, Coach Christopher. I thank them for all their help in improving their teams' athletic skills. Next, an important thank you to Dr. Martincich. She has given me tremendous support and encouragement over the last four years. And I especially want to thank my parents and my sisters. They have been there for me for many years with love, understanding, unwavering support and encouragement.

Sports has always been and will continue to be an important part of a student's learning environment. For me, this learning has occurred in several areas. It has helped me develop friendships, maintain my health, and has taught me life lessons. My education has been richer and more complete because of my participation in sports.

A major part of athletics is the friendships that are created. I have learned this by being a 12-season athlete, playing three sports per year for all four years of high school. I played football, wrestling, and baseball for all four years from Junior Varsity through Varsity. I received the scholar athlete award nine times, which recognizes a student who maintains a GPA of 3.3 or above while participating in a sport. That was hard sometimes, but I am proof you can persevere and do it.

Teams create more than friendships; they create families. This idea comes from the constant cheering for your teammates to make them feel like they are part of something great. It becomes a family, because you are willing to help out your friends as well as the team on and off the fields and mats. If you make a mistake, your teammates forgive you and try to help you, rather than put you down. It is a great feeling to know you have that support. It's also a great feeling to know that one individual can make a difference. One such instance that stands out was when I was a junior, I was involved in an individual wrestling match that was going to determine whether the Roslyn High School wrestling team would make it to the semifinals. Before the match I was scared, a little nauseous, and worried that I might let the team down. When I won that match, I felt amazing. My teammates were jumping up and down on the sidelines and chanting my name. This was probably my best moment as an athlete; it was a success for me as an individual, but more importantly, it helped the team.

Participating in sports has also enabled me to maintain good health. I live a much healthier lifestyle because to succeed in sports, I must stay in shape by eating and exercising properly. I cannot do bad things to my body or make bad decisions. Furthermore, I must be willing to improve all the time.

Finally, sports has given me the opportunity to learn life lessons. I have learned to improve my work ethic, to make commitments, and to persevere through obstacles. It has also taught me that having good attendance and being responsible are worthwhile traits. I have learned to be organized and to use good time management skills to be successful both academically and athletically. I also have developed leadership skills. I was proud to be chosen as team captain for the junior varsity baseball team and varsity wrestling team. Athletics has made me realize that in order to succeed you must work together as a team rather than think only as an individual.

In closing, sports has given me the opportunity to grow, learn, and be part of something larger then myself - a team - a family. I congratulate all the athletes and I wish the best to the class of 2002. I trust that all of us will use our positive athletic experiences to do good things in our future.