Kayla Greco | Democrat The Monticello girls’ volleyball team qualified for sectionals in coach Karen Atack’s last year. She is retiring after 34 years of teaching.

Fall Sports Wrap: Monticello

Staff Report
December 27, 2013 —
BOYS’ SOCCER
Coach: Bryan Astras
Record: 1-18-0
Season's Highlights: “Even though we lost 4-1, I really thought we challenged Middletown and actually surprised them, since last year where we were blown out 6-0.
Top players: “Anthony Lombardi senior, captain and goalkeeper. He just gives you everything he has. He plays with heart and passion. His fearlessness kept us in many games.”
Coach’s comment: “It was a difficult season. I stretched the numbers so I could have both a JV and varsity team. But we where plagued by injuries all year long and as result that hurt so much. My thought was if we didn't have a JV program a lot of kids would turn away. Our program has suffered a great deal with many soccer players switching over to football. But it also gives kids the opportunity to come out who normally wouldn't.
“We had the opportunity to win 5-7 games but injuries were our own worst enemy.”
Looking ahead: “We are loaded with talent at the modified level. There is a mix of players who will help us transcend into possible contenders for sectional play. The JV team as lots of talent with a great group moving up to the varsity level.
“Several JV players had the opportunity to play in several games this season. Unfortunately with work and starting a family, I will not be back for next season. This was a dream come true and I would like to thank Doug Murphy. I'm looking forward to coaching a little closer to my new home and job.
“It's going to take a couple of years, but I do believe Monticello soccer will be back on track.
“We need the seniors to step up and be more vocal. We need a player who can step up and raise the bar for their peers. We have a talented group – the challenging part is making them believe.”

CROSS COUNTRY
Coach: Timothy Billias and Holley Boncek
Record: NA
Season's highlights: “As a team, highlights were the leadership qualities demonstrated by seniors Joe Klein and Ashley McEneaney on the girl's side. They always provided all runners with support and encouragement. Our team certainly would not have had the same dynamic without them. Also, with the girl's team finishing the season with over a 92 GPA, we are proud of the dedication they all show in their academics.
At the Saugerties Invitational, many of the kids had great races. Camryn and Sydney Johnson led the girl's team to a third-place finish by placing 1-2, respectively. On the boy's side, Joseph Klein finished 6th overall with a 16:33 5K finish.
Top runners: Camryn Johnson qualifying for the state meet for the third consecutive year. Her twin sister Sydney also qualified as an alternate for the state meet. Camryn had one of her best races at the state meet in Queensbury, finishing 51st in the Class B race out of more than 120 girls. The girls also continued their XC season running at the NXN Regional Cross Country Race at Bowdoin Park on November 30.
For the boys, senior Joseph Klein qualifying for the state was a major achievement. He worked hard during the summer and throughout the fall season and focused on running his best races at the end of the season.
Coach’s comment: “We both enjoyed coaching this season and feel lucky to have worked with such a nice group of kids. Much of our team remained committed throughout the season and, as a result, improved the quality of their running. We hope they had as much fun as we did!
Looking ahead: “As we are returning most of our runners next fall, we look forward to working with many of the same athletes as well as working to recruit new runners. As the kids continue to work hard, we believe that we can be competitive with other schools in the area.”

FOOTBALL
Coach: Matt Buddenhagen
Record: 2-7, 1-5 league
Season's highlights: “We had great senior leadership throughout the season! The kids competed and represented their school and community with pride.”
Top players: John Harned, Terry Duncan, London Gandy, LahJuan Drayton, Trevon Rainey and others....

VOLLEYBALL
Coach: Karen Atack
Record: 11-9, 1-7 league
Season's highlights: “Making sectional play.”
Looking ahead: “Leaving the team with a solid core of nine returning players for next season. Retiring after 34 years of teaching.”