ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick College Athletic Department recognized the achievements of student-athletes, coaches, faculty, staff, and other members of the Hartwick College community during the annual athletic awards banquet on Wednesday, May 7th.

Multiple awards were given out throughout the course of the evening including the True Blue Award for three or four-year letter winners, the Philip S. Wilder, Jr. Award for academic distinction, program specific awards and team Most Valuable Player awards.

The department also inducted their second Chi Alpha Sigma class of both juniors and seniors, recognized for their academic achievements.

Executive Director of Athletics Paul Vecchio, and Occupational Therapist Mickaela Buzzy were recognized with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee Award which is awarded to a Hartwick College student, staff, or faculty member in recognition of their commitment to athletics and enthusiastic support for all student athletes.

The Paul Spaziani Special Recognition Award, which is given out in special situations to one or more persons having made a significant impact in the operation of the athletics program. This year's recipients were Head Men's Lacrosse Coach and Assistant Athletic Director of Facilities, Don LaSala. Men's Lacrosse's Assistant Coaches, Jonathan Huber and Griffin Kirby, and Softball Assistant Coach, Chyne Kennedy were recognized for their efforts in the equipment room while balancing their coaching duties as well.

The Tom Greene Memorial Award for Meritorious Service is presented to an individual having given a lifetime of service to Hartwick Athletics who has relentlessly taught, guided, instructed, counseled, and made a difference in the lives of all who knew them. The 2024-25 recipient of this award was former Head Football Coach, Mark Carr.

Director of Athletic Communications, Victor Fernandez was recognized with the Special Coaches Award, which is presented to an individual as recommended by the coaching staff for extraordinary contribution to the athletic programs.

The evening wrapped up with the special departmental awards which were nominated by and voted on by members of the athletic department.

SAAC President and standout outside hitter Shelby Swartz (Candor, N.Y) received the Leroy "Sonny" House Jr. Memorial Award. This award is presented to a student connected with the Hartwick College Athletic Program who has exceptional enthusiasm for and dedication to Hartwick Athletics. The recipient of this award will also have displayed service to the Hartwick community in some capacity outside athletics.

The M. Beal Banks Award is presented to one male and one female scholar-athlete who has pursued excellence in their sport to the best of their ability and have enthused others with their dedication and commitment. The female winner was field hockey and softball player, Jess Betts (South Glens Falls, N.Y.) and the male winner was men's basketball sharpshooter, Mike Gitz (Commack, N.Y.).

The next two awards recognized the accomplishments of two senior student athletes.

The Harry Mosher Memorial Award is presented to a senior scholar-athlete on a male team who best personifies courage, desire, humility, and unselfish devotion to his team. The winner of this year's award was swimming and diving senior Sebastian Knowles (Plano, TX).

The Margaret Lunn Memorial Award is presented to a senior scholar-athlete on a woman's team who exemplifies athletic ability, leadership, and sportsmanship. Volleyball's Staecia Silofau (Kapolei, HI) was presented with this award.

The Tim O'Brien Memorial Award and the Brunhilde I. Klinger Memorial Award is presented each year to the most outstanding first year athletes. Both awards not only recognized the athletic accomplishments of these athletes but also sportsmanship and the positive contributions they have made to the team, the college, and the community.

Men's Soccer forward Hunter Bulich (Catskill, N.Y.) was named the Tim O'Brien Memorial Award recipient, Bulich was also named the Empire 8 Rookie of the Year.

Women's Tennis player Samantha Lantzy (Valatie, N.Y.) was presented with the Brunhilde I. Klinger Memorial Award. Lantzy was dominant in conference play, cruising to a flawless singles and doubles record, helping lift the Hawks to their second Empire 8 Women's Tennis crown in three years.

The evening was capped off by presenting the Male and Female Athlete of the Year Awards.

The Roy Chipman Memorial Award is presented to the athlete on a male team judged as being the best athlete in the Hartwick Athletic Department whose character and sportsmanship have had a positive contribution within the team, the college and the community. This year's nominees included Dante Gesamondo (Lynnfield, Mass.) and Cameron Drake (El Cajon, Cal.).

The award was presented to senior goalkeeper Dante Gesamondo. A fearless leader on and off the pitch, Dante helped lead his squad to an Empire 8 semifinal appearance, snagging 200 career saves with exceptional technical ability and setting a career high 10 saves in a clean sheet victory in a crucial matchup with the Utica Pioneers.

The Anna M. Meyer Award is presented to an athlete on a female team judged as being the best athlete in the Hartwick Athletic Department whose character and sportsmanship have had a positive contribution within the team, the college and the community. This year's nominees included Braelyn Hornick (Candor, N.Y.), Alexandra Krasinska (Pine Island, N.Y.), Courtney Pierce (Fulton, N.Y.), Kristen Vaccarelli (Dix Hills, N.Y.) and Brynita Haas (Red Creek, N.Y.).
 

Senior Women's Lacrosse midfielder, Kristen Vaccarelli was chosen as the recipient of the award. Vaccarelli was a nightmare for opposing defenses, becoming the Empire 8 Conference All-Time Goals leader with 228 goals as well as shattering multiple program records. Kristen received Second Team All-Region honors for the third straight year to cap off her decorated career.

About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.