Hillcrest Student Athletes of the Month

December 2017

Sophomore, Bella Burkhard - Basketball
Bella is a sophomore student-athlete on the girls’ basketball team. She will be earning her first varsity letter for the team this season. Coach Cheryl Rye said "In Bella's first year on varsity she is already making an impact. She is a determined athlete who has a tremendous work ethic. Bella is a tough young lady who doesn't back down against stronger and bigger opponents. She embraces her role on our team as a one of the first players off the bench and is always positive in her demeanor. Bella is extremely respectful and is a true reflection of the characteristics that our program strives for. This undoubtedly translates into the classroom as well." Bella is also a member of the girls soccer team where she earned a varsity letter this past fall season and helped advance the Wolverines to the OHSAA District Semi Finals. Off the basketball court, she has recently earned a 3.6 GPA in the second grading period. Although she is still considered an underclassman she intends on furthering her education in college studying medicine. Bella enjoys fashion, art, basketball, soccer and working at children camps. 

Senior, Andres Lujan-Salas - Swimming 
Andres is a senior student-athlete on the swim team. He will be earning his third varsity letter for the team this season. Andres is one of the team captains. Coach Debbie Diadiun said "Andres has had a strong work ethic on our team for the last three years and has shown a great deal of improvement in his times and technique. He has worked diligently to juggle work, athletics, and academics. He was the most improved member of the team in the month of December, improving his personal best times by almost half-a-minute in this month alone. He is well-liked and a great supporter of his teammates." Andres had a great start to the school year academically earning a 3.6 GPA in his first grading period. He plans on continuing his education and studying in the field of Arts & Photography at Akron University. Andres enjoys taking photos of nature, watching sports, and of course swimming!




October 2017

Freshman, Nicola Ehrbar - Soccer
Nicola is a freshman student-athlete on the girls soccer team. She will be earning her first varsity letter for the team this season after starting and playing in every game. Overall she had 11 goals and 7 assists. One of those goals was versus Chagrin Falls in an OHSAA Sectional Final game, where she helped lead her team to a 2-0 victory with a goal from 35 yards out, advancing the Wolverines to the District Semi Finals. Coach Kori Chapic said, "Her hard work and athleticism this season has made her an outstanding asset to the West Geauga girls soccer program and a leader for the team to look up to." She earned Second Team All Chagrin Valley Conference honors. She is also a member of the girls basketball team and will be seeing a significant role in the program this winter. Off the athletic fields she has earned 4.08 GPA in the first grading period. She intends on furthering both her education and athletic careers in college but is undecided at this early stage of her high school experience. Nicola enjoys baking, hiking and playing sports.

Freshman, Johnny Patterson - Cross Country
Johnny is a freshman student-athlete on the cross-country team. He has earned his first varsity letter for the team this season. Johnny, as a freshman, was consistently West Geauga's number one runner this year. His fastest time was 18:00, which helped him earn Second Team All Chagrin Valley Conference honors. He lead the boys cross country team to second place finishes at both the McDonough and Andrews Osborne Invitationals. Amongst freshman competing at the OHSAA District Meet at Madison High School, Johnny finished 3rd and 32nd overall. Coach John Boylan said, "Johnny is only a freshman but leads by example. He will be fun to watch as he matures as a runner. I am excited and looking forward to the next 3 seasons with Johnny." Johnny has also been successful in the classroom as he recently accomplished a 4.25 GPA in his first grading period at the high school. He plans on continuing his education in the field of biology but is undecided as to where he will attend. Johnny enjoys running, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking.  




September 2017


Junior, Rachel Ange - Tennis
Rachel is a junior student-athlete on the girls tennis team. She will be earning her third varsity letter for the team this season. She has helped lead the girls tennis team to their first Chagrin Valley Conference championship last season and their second this fall. She was 8-2 in the month of September to bring her overall record to 14-2 for the year. She went 2-0 in the CVC tournament to earn First Team CVC honors. She will be competing on Friday October 13th in the OHSAA District tournament with her partner in doubles, Mackenzie Hanford. Coach Dimattia said “She has been winning in a dominating fashion. She leads by example both on the tennis court and off.” She has also been a member of the girls fastpitch team and will also be earning her third varsity letter this spring season. Off the athletic fields she has been able to maintain a 4.4 GPA. She serves as the Student Council Secretary and is a board member of the Interact Club. She intends on furthering her education by attending college to study in the field of business but is undecided on which school she will attend. Rachel enjoys spending time with her friends and family.

Senior, Joseph Conrad - Soccer
Joseph is a senior student-athlete on the soccer team. He will be earning his second varsity letter for the team at the end of this season. Coach Gerhardt said, "Joey is a team player who exemplifies respect, sportsmanship and fair play. Joey Conrad is the leader of our defensive chain and a role model for all players on the team, especially the underclassmen. Joey is highly skilled, possesses great soccer sense and is a very competitive central defender who is all business in practices as well as in games. A senior and student of the game, Joey is a key player in the Wolverines success on the soccer field this year.” Joseph is also a member of the track team and has earned two varsity letters. Joe has also excelled in the classroom where he has retained above a 3.75 GPA. Joseph plans on continuing his education in the field of aeronautics at Kent State University to eventually become a licensed commercial pilot. In his free time, Joseph enjoys camping, hiking snowboarding and playing soccer. 





APRIL 2017

Senior, Alison D'Alessandro - Track
Alison is a senior student-athlete on the girls track team. She will be a 4-year varsity letter winner for the team. Alison is a pole vaulter who draws a crowd at every event. She has already cleared 12' and is aiming for 13' before the season ends. She was also a four-time letter winner for the gymnastics team. Coach Ryan Nightingale said, "It has been a pleasure to watch Alison progress into one of the elite vaulters in the state. She has shown great dedication in improving her craft by jumping during indoor season with the Geneva vault club and attending vault camp at the University of Tennessee. The greatest part of coaching is watching kids achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Alison has already done this this season by clearing 12 feet and giving herself the opportunity to continue her career at the University of Kentucky." Outside of her athletic competitions she is involved with the Student Council, Interact Club, Key Club and Art Club. She has earned a current cumulative GPA of 4.23 She plans on attending the University of Kentucky to study math. 

Junior, Trent Fritzche - Lacrosse
Trent is a junior student-athlete on the boys lacrosse team. He will be earning his 3rd varsity letter this season. He has been the team captain the past two years. He has led the West Geauga lacrosse program in scoring in all three of his seasons at the high school. Trent is also one of the top ten leading scorers in the state. Trent has already earned All-Ohio honors in the sport of lacrosse. Coach Steele said, "Trent is an amazing lacrosse player; he has the ability to take over a game and has one of fastest shots I have seen on a lacrosse field. He is very talented and has the ability to play at the next level or in college." Off the lacrosse field, he is a great student, holding an accumulative GPA of 3.8 and earning a 4.17 this past quarter. Trent, although only a junior, has intentions of heading to the east coast for college, where he intends to study business and pursue an MBA shortly after. In his free time Trent enjoys chilling with his friends on the weekend and playing lacrosse with his summer team, the Titanium.


MARCH 2017

Freshman, Torrie Gall - Softball
Torrie is a freshman student-athlete on the girls fastpitch team. She will be earning her first varsity letter for the team this season. As a freshman Torrie has transitioned right into the starting lineup. She has displayed quality leadership skills and maturity at a young age. Her batting average in the first five game is .571 with an on base percentage of .667. She has scored 12 runs with 5 RBI's. Coach Leppla said, "Torrie is an all-around ball player who has an exceptional skill level who I believe has the potential to be one of the best softball players West Geauga has ever had. I am excited for the the future of Torrie and West Geauga Fastpitch." She was also a member of the girls volleyball team. Outside her early athletic accomplishments, she has earned a GPA of 3.92 in the 3rd quarter.  She plans on attending college to continue both her academic and athletic careers, however is still in the early phases of searching for the right place. She has intentions to study dermatology. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family on top traveling to different states for her summer travel softball team.

Senior, Charlie Koach - Baseball
Charlie is a senior student-athlete on the baseball team. He will be earning his 3rd varsity letter for the team. He is this year's team captain. Coach McIntyre says, "Charlie leads by example because everything he encourages others to do he does himself. It is the little things that make the difference and he is going to be missed by the West Geauga Baseball Community." Charlie was also a member of the football team where he earned two varsity letters, on top of receiving 1st team All-District and 1st Team All Conference honors. Outside  of his athletic accomplishments, Charlie was able to finish the 3rd quarter with a GPA of 3.8. Charlie is also the CEO of the Beachwood Junior Achievement Marketing Program. Charlie will be continuing his education at West Virginia University where he plans to study marketing. Charlie enjoys sports and yoga.  



FEBRUARY 2017

Senior,  Lexy Ange - Gymnastics
Lexy is a senior student-athlete on the girls’ gymnastics team. She is a 4-year varsity letter winner for the team. Lexy qualified and competed in the OHSAA Gymnastics State Tournament this season and finished 19th with a score of 8.85 on the floor. She was also a four-time district qualifier. Lexy was also a member of the cheerleading team where she earned 2 varsity letters. Coach Gina Javorek said, "A big congratulations to Lexy Ange for her outstanding accomplishment of making it to the state gymnastics tournament this year.  She is one of the most honest, genuine, hard working gymnasts I've ever coached.  She deserved her spot in that meet.  It was a great way to end a fantastic senior year for her." Outside her athletic accomplishments, she has earned a current cumulative GPA of 4.37  She plans on attending Ohio State University to study Pre-Law. Lexy enjoys staying active by running and exercising. She also enjoys spending time with her friends and family. 

Junior, David Dela Cruz - Fencing
David is a junior student-athlete on the fencing team. He will be earning his 3rd varsity letter for the team. He is this year's team captain. His most recent accomplishment was placing third in his last fencing tournament. He was recognized by the academic decathlon for earning several medals.Coach Brooke Snyder said, "David is the fencer that the whole team looks up to. He leads by example and is always jumping in to assist his teammates. As his coach, I am able to count on him to show up every day and give 100% to the program." Outside his athletic abilities he is a great student, holding an accumulative GPA of 3.64. David is also planning on furthering his education, however, is still undecided to which college or university he will be attending. He has an interest in studying biology. David enjoys fishing, bicycling, fencing, zip lining and spending time with his friends.  





JANUARY 2017

Senior, Kara Zebrowski - Basketball
Kara is a senior student-athlete on the girls varsity basketball team. She will be a 3-year varsity letter winner for the team. After tearing her ACL late in the soccer season, Kara has been unable to play basketball her senior year. Kara has been with her varsity teammates every single day throughout her recovery. Head Coach Cheryl Rye said, "Dedicated and loyalty. Those are 2 words that come to mind when I think of Kara. This was her team and she wanted to be a part of it, being able to actually play the game didn't matter to Kara or her teammates. She is still just as important to us and an integral member of our program. Her commitment to her teammates and this program speak volumes of her character." Kara was also a member of the girls soccer team where she earned 2 varsity letters. Outside her athletic accomplishments, she has earned a current GPA of 3.9. She is also a member of the National Honors Society and National Technical Honor Society. She plans on attending Bowling Green State University to study Pre-Physical Therapy. Kara enjoys playing and watching sports. Most importantly, though, she values spending time with her friends and family.


Senior, Daniel Sternen - Hockey
Daniel is a senior student-athlete on the hockey team. He will be earning his 4th varsity letter for the team. He was recognized as the Greater Cleveland Hockey League All-Star of the week with six goals in one game. Coach Gilliam says, "Daniel has served as the team captain and leader of the team all season. His athletic ability has allowed him to step up and successfully play a variety of positions including goalie this year. He is a coach's dream who is determined and willing to do what's best for the program."Off the ice Daniel earned a GPA of 4.0 in the 2nd quarter. Daniel is also planning on furthering his education at Bowling Green State University. He has an interest in studying health sciences. In Daniel's spare time he enjoys playing golf and boating with his friends.


DECEMBER 2016

Senior, Lindsey Stanforth - Basketball
Lindsey is a senior student-athlete on the girls’ varsity basketball team. She will be a 4-year varsity letter winner for the team. She leads the basketball team in several categories. She is averaging 11 PPG, 4.7 assists and 4.4 steals a game. She was also a member of the girls volleyball team where she earned 3 varsity letters. She will be earning her 4th varsity letter this spring when she plays in her last season for the lady wolverines fastpitch team.Outside her athletic accomplishments she has earned a current GPA of 4.6. She is also a member of the National Honors Society. She intends on attending Miami University or Grove City College to continue her basketball career. Coach Rye says" She is an amazing young woman of great character and I am proud to be Lindsey's coach" Lindsey enjoys spending time with her family and friends and of course her dog.

Senior, Kyle Gallagher - Wrestling
Kyle is a senior student-athlete on the boys’ wrestling team. He will be earning his 3rd varsity letter for the team. He finished 1st place at the Cleveland Central Catholic Tournament along with 4th place finishes at both the Kenston Invitational and Olentangy Liberty Tournament. He recently, took a 2nd place at the Perry Pin-City Tournament. His He is currently 10-4 and ranked 17th in the state in Division II wrestling. Coach Marino says “Kyle has led by example this year, doing the work he needs to do to give him chance to compete at the state level" Kyle continues to work both on the wrestling mat and in the classroom. He earned a GPA of 3.5 in the 2nd quarter. He is still undecided as to which school he will continue his academic career but has an interest in studying business. Kyle enjoys working out and wrestling.


SEPTEMBER 2016

Senior, Erin Hoeh - Soccer

Erin is a senior student-athlete on the girl's varsity soccer team. She will be a 4-year varsity letter winner for the team. She has also been named the team's MVP in two of her previous seasons, along with 2nd team All Greater Cleveland, 1st team All CVC, and two-time News Herald Player of the Week. Outside of her athletic accomplishments she has earned a current GPA of 4.1 and has been on the honor roll. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Key Club, and Academic Challenge. She intends on attending Washington and Lee University to study biology and Spanish.


Junior, Michael Osters - Football

Michael is a junior student-athlete on the boy's football team. He will be earning a 2nd varsity letter for the team. Coach Cirino says “Michael is an absolute role model and a coach’s dream. He does everything right both on and off the field.” Michael continues to work both on the playing field and in the classroom. His course work consists of all AP and honors classes. He currently carries a 4.0 GPA and has been on the honor roll every quarter thus far in his high school career. He is still undecided as to which school he will continue his academic career but has an interest in studying business. He enjoys staying active and watching sports.

APRIL 2016

Sophomore, Kayla Lorenzo- Fastpitch
Kayla has been the leader of the girls softball team throughout this spring season. She leads the team in several categories such as the team highest batting average of .490, most hits with 25, most doubles with 10, and team leading RBI batter with 24. She is having an excellent season and has helped turn the program in the right direction. Outside of the diamond she is a honor roll student who intends on attending college where she will continue her softball career.

Senior, David Horten- Baseball
David is a senior leader on the baseball team. Coaches refer him to as a "coaches dream player" . He always shows up and gives 110%. He brings a calm and collective positive attitude to each baseball practice and game. Outside of baseball he is a member of the National Honor Society. While playing golf and baseball for the West Geauga Wolverines, he was able to maintain nearly a 4.2 GPA. He was also recently recognized as the recipient of the OHSAA Scholar Athlete Award. David's plans are to attend the University of Cincinnati to study chemical engineering.



MARCH 2016

Senior, Brittni Mason- Indoor Track
Brittni competed in the Ohio Indoor Track Championships on March 5 at the University of Akron. She finished first place in the 60M dash in 7.56 seconds, along with setting the new state record Div II/III. She also finished in second place in the 200M. She has a 3.5 GPA and is a captain of the track team.

Senior, Dakota Medley- Indoor Track
Dakota competed in the Ohio Indoor Track Championships on March 5 at the University of Akron. He finished in 5th place (1:59.25), earning him ALL-OHIO honors in the 800M.  Dakota trained at the Spire Institute over the winter and dedicated himself to become a stronger, faster runner. He also ran cross country in the fall for WG. Dakota is currently a member of the boys track team and was recently named a captain of the boys track team. He also has a GPA of 3.7.


FEBRUARY 2016

Sophomore, Kami Goodrick - Diving
Kami Goodrick for her outstanding performance on the diving board, while coping with a painful knee situation. She finished 2nd in the district then beat the district champion as she finished 3rd in the state amid some hefty competition.


Senior, Joe Fornaro -Wrestling
Joe Fornaro for placing 6th in Ohio's Division II state tournament. Joe finished his senior year 33 - 11 and had 121 career wins, moving into 5th place all time at West Geauga ! He was also a CVC Champ, 2x placer at Top Gun and a District champ this season. Outstanding job. Joe becomes our 36th qualifier & 16th state placer. Your coaches, school, team & community are proud of you !



















JANUARY 2016

Senior, Hanna Zannetti- Cheerleading
She is a captain for both the boys football and boys basketball squads. She is an excellent role model for the younger girls. She has not missed a single practice, game, dinner or any other things we have asked of her. She also has great spirit and skills. Hannah is a four time varsity letter winner in cheerleading. She has above a 4.0 GPA, along with being an NHS Nominee.


Junior, Chase Waterman- Swimming
Chase has had one of the best practice attendance records on our team and focuses diligently on the workout routines at practices. As one of our team captains, he sets a great example of leadership both in and out of the pool. He helped to organize much of the student-run contributions for our senior night and has stepped up to make things happen for some of the traditions to end our season. His contributions in the pool have really increased this year. In the month of January he swam 9 personal-best times and was the leading male scorer in two of our eight meets.

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