On Thursday, February 6^th, five outstanding Pine Crest student athletes were honored for their acceptance to play at the collegiate level.  Seniors John Decker, Chase Navellier, Brandon Danzansky, Casey Cruzpino and Leo Zingg were recognized.  The ceremony began with Dr. Markham, Pine Crest’s President, speaking, followed by Athletic Director Jeff Johnson.  The athletes’ senior peers looked on from the ICI, while the rest of the PC family watched live on PCTV.  Each athlete and one of his or her coaches spoke at the ceremony.

John Decker is going to Babson College for cross-country and track.  Decker thanked his parents and friends for their support during his high school career.  Chase Navellier is going to Stanford for rowing.  Crew Coach Shoop had inspirational words to say regarding Chase’s competitiveness and commitment.  Brandon Danzansky is going to the University of Redlands for soccer.  Danzanksy was very thankful and excited for his journey to continue across the country.  Congratulations to Decker, Navellier, and Danzansky, as we wish them the best luck in their college endeavors!

Casey Cruzpino is attending the Coast Guard Academy for softball.  It is very prestigious to attend the Coast Guard Academy, and it is definitely an honor for a PC student to receive and take the opportunity.  Softball Coach Thompson gave extraordinary remarks about Casey.  Casey told Type One, “I’m really excited to go to Coast Guard, to serve my country and continue playing the game I love.”  When asked to give advice to future student athletes with hopes to play at the next level, Casey remarked, “Start conversations with college coaches very early.  And make sure wherever you go or whatever you do, always be having fun.”

Finally, Leo Zingg is attending Washington University of St. Louis to play football.  Coach Pletcher spoke highly of Leo both on and off the field.  Leo told Type One, “I’m excited to be part of a team; I love sports and competition.  It is a great start in college to instantaneously have a bunch of teammates as friends.”  He advised student athletes to “simply work hard and stay focused on your studies.”

It is always special for the Pine Crest community to celebrate the achievements and hard work of some of its most talented young men and women.  The entire PC family will be rooting for these five outstanding student-athletes as they pursue their goals and begin the next chapter of their lives.  The dedication and commitment these athletes have for their craft inspires everyone to work a little harder in the classroom, on the field or court, or on the stage.

Athletic Director Jeff Johnson finished the ceremony with an interesting comparison.  The Winter Olympics in Sochi are taking place around this time.  Johnson compared the athletes representing their countries during the Olympics to the senior athletes representing their school.  While the comparison seems simple, it has a deeper message behind it.  The Olympics are the one place, in spite of international differences and disputes, that the world comes together to celebrate sports, hard work, and humanity.  The competition in both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games brings the best out of athletes from all over the map.  In a complicated world, the games are really the only event separated from complex political issues in the global community.  But, as an athlete holds a flag, he or she represents an entire nation of individuals.  Decker, Navallier, Danzansky, Cruzpino, and Zingg have represented, represent, and will continue to represent a group of individuals, the Pine Crest Panthers.