Friday April 26, 2024 
Averill Park Sports By Isaac Joseph
AVERILL PARK – We saw an exciting week of sectional games from our AP fall sports teams!
The boys soccer team defeated Albany Academy 2-1 in the Class A semifinals on 10/26. Mason Buttaci and Kyle Almeida scored within 30 seconds of eachother in the second half to give the boys the lead and ultimately the win. Nate Bourgault had six saves in goal. The soccer team beat Lasalle 2-0 in the Class A championship game on 10/30, claiming the Class A sectional title for the first time since 2013. The game was scoreless at the half, but Almeida’s second half goal off a rebound from a Hayden Kiehl free kick put the boys in the driver’s seat. Mason Buttaci added the insurance goal with 15 minutes remaining in the second half to put the boys team up by two. Nate Bourgault had an impressive 12 saves in the winning effort. Congratulations goes out to the boys soccer team on such an impressive feat.
The football team beat Columbia 41-0 on 10/29. Ryan Heffner had a monster game, rushing for 187 yards and two toucdowns. Gavin Giordano and Jacob Keller both ran in for touchdowns as well, while Giordano and Nicholas Galuski each threw touchdown passes. The win allowed Averill Park to clinch the one seed in the Class A playoffs. AP will host Queensbury in the semifinals on 11/5.
The girls soccer team beat Mohonasen 1-0 in the Class A semifinals on 10/25. Gabby Geisse scored the game’s lone goal off an assist from Merry Gaylord. Michelina Lombardi had seven saves in goal. The girls fell in a hard fought game to Queensbury in the sectional final on 10/29 with a 2-1 final score. Gabby Geisse scored for the girls. Congratulations to the girls soccer team on a great season!
The volleyball team defeated Niskayuna in their final regular season game with a 24-25, 25-21, 25-17, 27-25 final score. The girls team beat Mohonasen 25-20, 25-16, 25-20 in the first round of sectionals on 10/28. Bella Mahar had 23 digs and 3 aces. Madi Rose had 11 digs, Olivia Kronau had 15 assists, and Makenna Carter had 9 blocks & 7 kills.
The cross country team participated in the Suburban Council Championships on 10/30. They will take part in sectionals on 11/05.
The Troy AP girls swim team will start sectionals on 11/05.
I will be back next week to report on AP scores and highlights. Go Warriors!
Scholar Athlete of the Week By Tyler Michaels
AVERILL PARK – This week’s Scholar Athlete is Thomas Nero. Thomas is on the Varsity golf team, and Thomas plays Varsity tennis in the spring. Thomas began playing golf in his freshman year after seeing his father and his brother play the sport. In the winter, Thomas plays in an indoor
simulator league, and Thomas plays at Burden Lake Country Club throughout the spring. Even when he is unable to practice on a course, Thomas enjoys practicing in his yard. Thomas’ favorite part about golf is the chance to get outside and play on the courses in our area. Thomas said, “I love having some of my best friends on the team and getting the chance to have fun at practices while also getting better.” Thomas also noted that keeping a clear mind is necessary when playing golf. Going to a golf course after a full day of school and being expected to put away any stress can be a challenge, but playing any sport requires mental strength. Thomas further said it is important to keep yourself from losing confidence, even when you aren’t playing your best. Once your confidence slips it becomes easier to play poorly, and so maintaining your mental fortitude can truly help you at the sport. This year, Thomas’ goal was simply to be a strong leader; both by scoring well and by helping his teammates improve.
While Thomas succeeds on the course, he also excels academically. Thomas has a 96 GPA while taking a difficult course load, including Advanced Placement Government and Politics and Advanced Placement Statistics. Thomas also managed to score a 33 on the ACT. To balance school and sports, Thomas keeps proactive during his athletic seasons. Thomas noted that he works best when he is kept busy, and because of that he is better able to balance playing multiple sports in different seasons. Thomas is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and the yearbook club. In his free time, Thomas enjoys listening to music, spending time with friends, and playing video games.
Thomas’ father serves as his role model, pushing Thomas to work hard in school and golf. Thomas’ teammates also help him excel in his sport; competing against them drives Thomas to improve his skills. Thomas would advise a younger athlete to have fun with their sport. “Enjoy spending time with your teammates and don’t take for granted the constant improvements you’ll make.” Next year, Thomas plans on attending a four-year college to study business. Thomas hopes to take internships to further explore his interests. We wish Thomas the best as he finishes his senior year and prepares for college.
