fall '24 REVIEW
Welcome to the Fall '24 edition of our athletics newsletter!
It was an exciting season, as more than 800 student-athletes competed across a packed schedule, showcasing their skills, resilience, and sportsmanship. Fall is always our busiest season, and this year was no exception. From thrilling rivalry games between Kenmore East and Kenmore West to the success of our combined programs, our athletes have given us plenty to celebrate. Personal bests were recorded, long-standing program records were broken, and sectional patches were won, highlighting the incredible dedication of our teams.
We owe a huge thank you to the parents and family members who cheered from the sidelines, rain or shine, and supported our teams with such dedication. Your encouragement brings excitement and community to every event, making a lasting impact on our student-athletes. We also want to extend our appreciation to our coaches, supervisors, building and grounds staff, and administrators. Their behind-the-scenes efforts ensure a safe, organized, and memorable season for all.
At its core, our athletics program is built on the values of education-based athletics. This season our athletes competed and persevered. Through it all, they learned lifelong lessons in resilience, teamwork, and leadership, building character and developing skills that extend far beyond the field, pool, court, or course. Here’s to our athletes, coaches, families, and everyone who makes each season an unforgettable journey!
Lindsay Bergman, Director of Health, Physical Education, & Athletics
What's New in Athletics
NUTRITION & SNACK PROGRAM ROLLED OUT AT FALL MEETINGS
This past August, Ken-Ton Athletics proudly launched a new Nutrition and Snack Program at our pre-season meetings, thanks to a collaboration with Assemblyman Bill Conrad. This initiative, designed to support and encourage healthy eating habits among our student-athletes, was a great success and is set to continue each season this school year.
Student-athletes received a string bag filled with over 13 different healthy snacks and 6 hydration packets. This snack pack was thoughtfully curated to fuel performance, promote recovery, and encourage hydration, serving as a practical example of balanced, athlete-focused snacking.
Looking forward, Ken-Ton Athletics will offer additional educational opportunities focused on the benefits of healthy eating, hydration, refueling, and recovery. By providing consistent resources and guidance, we aim to empower our athletes to make informed choices that support both their performance and well-being.
Ken-Ton Athletics extends a sincere thank-you to Assemblyman Bill Conrad for his support in making this program possible. Together, we’re building a foundation for our athletes that prioritizes wellness, equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need for success on and off the field. We look forward to seeing this program continue to grow in November, March, and beyond!
INTRODUCING THE DEVILDOG MASCOT
The Athletic Department is thrilled to announce the creation of the DevilDog mascot and logo that unites our schools' combined teams under one bold identity. The DevilDog embodies the strength, determination, and teamwork that define our athletic programs and serves as a symbol of pride for our student-athletes, families, and community.
WELCOME NEW COACHES
This winter, the Athletic Department is excited to introduce a number of coaches in new positions at Kenmore East and Kenmore West. These individuals add former playing and coaching experience to our programs. Good luck this upcoming season!
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Congratulations to our individual champions this season!
Kenmore Girls Swimming
The Kenmore Girls Swimming program is celebrating two outstanding athletes who earned top honors at the Section VI Class A Championships! Heather Malkiewiz claimed the title of 100 Breaststroke Champion while Amelia MacKinnon powered through the competition to become the 200 Freestyle Champion. Amelia will compete in the State Championship in Webster, NY on November 22nd and 23rd.
NIAGARA FRONTIER LEAGUE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS
Each season coaches and athletes from the nine schools that make up the Niagara Frontier League (NFL) are asked to identify their opponents who, in their mind, exemplified the highest degree of sportsmanship during the season. We are proud of our Ken-Ton teams that earned such high praise. In addition, the following students were chosen for their commitment to the virtues of fair play.
ATHLETIC HONORS
The following athletes were selected All-Division or All-League in their respective sport:
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
The HOF was created in 1994 to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of our athletes, coaches, teams and contributors. Ken-Ton has a long and storied history in athletics and this process gives us the opportunity to highlight the best of the best. The induction ceremonies are one of the highlights of the year.
KENMORE EAST ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME - CLASS OF '24
On Thursday, October 24th, seven individuals and one team were inducted into the Kenmore East High School Athletic Hall of Fame. This year’s group of deserving individuals brings the total number to only 158 individuals and 2 teams inducted in the prestigious Hall.
Tom Borschel '66
Dennis Danheiser '77
Thomas Diehl '01
Trevor Pray '16
Erin (Whitehead) Stillman '05
Andrew Sturtz '12
Jordyn (Broas) Wysocki '11
1972 Football Team
OTHER RECOGNITION
Buffalo Bills and Legends Recognize Coach John Haynes of Kenmore West
Kenmore West’s very own Varsity Football Coach, John Haynes, was recently honored by the Buffalo Bills as their Week 6 High School Coach of the Week. Coach Haynes has led Kenmore West with passion and dedication, focusing on building both football skills and life lessons within his team. This recognition not only highlights his commitment on the field but also his ability to inspire resilience, teamwork, and community spirit among his athletes.
Congratulations to Coach Haynes for this well-deserved honor!
NATIONAL SIGNING DAY
National Signing Day marks the start of an official signing period, where high school student-athletes and college transfers formally commit to their chosen college or university. On this day, student-athletes committing to NCAA Division I and Division II programs can sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI). Each program, sport, and governing body has its own traditions when it comes to committing to college. While the specific date varies by sport and division, National Signing Day represents the first opportunity for student-athletes and those who supported them to celebrate their commitment to their future program officially.
On Wednesday, November 13th, Kenmore West's Brady Garcia and Kenmore East's Alex Schuler signed with Division I Canisius University for swimming. Congratulations to these young men and best of luck at the next level!
A signing ceremony for all student-athletes will take place in June. Stay tuned for more information!
upcoming events & important information
PROCEDURES FOR WINTER SPORTS
Important Dates
Kenmore Boys Basketball Holiday Tournament - December 20th & 21st
Kenmore West Girls Basketball Holiday Tournament - December 27th & 28th
Kenmore Wrestling Tournament - February 1st
Spring Sports Registration Opens - February 17th