On Thursday, Jan. 31, at the New Hyde Park Inn, The West Hempstead Rams Football Parents Club honored the varsity and junior varsity players of the 2001 season with an awards dinner. With friends, family, and the varsity and varsity cheerleaders on hand, club president and ex-Ram Bob Ainbinder thanked all the players for their hard work and effort, then turned the evening over to the coaches for awards presentations.

Junior Varsity Head Coach Herlihy kicked off with his team's participation awards, and made sincere, and sometimes humorous remarks about each of his players as they were called up for recognition. Then, exceptional player awards were presented, with John Barriga named the "Most Valuable Defensive Player," Dan Koluch the "Most Valuable Offensive Player," Mario Alvarez receiving the "Bulldog" award, William Cornego the "Unsung Hero," and John Diaz receiving recognition as the "Most Valuable Player" for 2001 JV Football.

Varsity Head Coach Tom Riordan then took over. As with JV, all players were recognized for their participation. Then, top honors were given to Manny Deleon as the "Most Valuable Defensive Player," Obuza Ehikioya as the "Most Valuable Offensive Player," Cody Mara as the "Bulldog," Mike Fischer and Matt Ferretti as the "Unsung Heroes," and Chris Manders as the varsity squad's "Most Valuable Player." Manders was also selected to receive the 2001 John Meyer Memorial Award. Named for West Hempstead's legendary coach, it is presented to a player who has displayed leadership, determination and dedication to Rams Football on and off the field.

One sad note on the evening, Assistant Coach John Rado announced that he will be leaving West Hempstead to work at a different school next season. After an emotional speech thanking the players, their parents and his colleagues for their support, he received a standing ovation as a token of thanks for the work he has put in with the players, and for his dedication to the students of West Hempstead High School.