A Year of Triumph, Fitness and Teamwork for Landmark College Athletes

Cheerful, exhilarating, and humorous at times, the Sports Awards Banquet at Landmark College marked a superb year in athletics.  Fall semester started strong with an undefeated soccer season, the men’s basketball team finished second in the Click Invitational Tournament at the mid-year point, and closing spring semester was a baseball team victory.   Between the powerful start and finish of 2012-2013, Shark athletes demonstrated talent, effort, and teamwork during scores of practices and games at this small college.  The thriving athletics department fielded intercollegiate and intramural teams competing in baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, cheerleading, soccer, indoor soccer, and cross country.

Why are athletics important at a liberal arts college with a strong focus on academics?  “Because of the character development that happens on a team,” said Athletic Director Matt Volitis, “Not only do athletes at Landmark develop or enhance their sport skills, they learn commitment, communication, time management, and leadership skills—and they boost their self-esteem.  These benefits can also be achieved in a classroom, but they are forefront on a sports team.”  Students with diverse styles and talents need a place to fit in, stay fit, and contribute, and group sports provided that niche for Landmark College student athletes this year.  All of these critical skills are important in the classroom or work place, and position our graduates for success in any realm.

When asked to describe players on the 2013 baseball team, Head Coach John Wood said, “Athletes at Landmark not only work hard but they do it with great joy.  Despite their learning differences, their love for their sport drives them to be the best they can be, to help their teammates be better, and to give so much both on and off the field.” The comments made by those presenting sports awards echoed this theme—that student athletes contributed to the community by giving exciting performances at competitions but also by staying positive and motivating  others during the less glamorous practices, losses, and minor injuries that can happen on any team.

Student athletes, family members, and friends attended the Sports Award Banquet to honor those whose contributions stood out—a difficult call to make among such a great group of athletes.  Below is a list of the awards and the Landmark College athletes who earned them.

2012-2013 Athletic Awards at Landmark College

Male Athlete of the Year: Kevin Goerne
Female Athlete of the Year: Meghan Cassidy
Sports Leadership Award:  Patrick McKenna

Baseball

MVP: Chris Hawkins
Most Improved: Eli Cox
Coaches Awards: Will Meinen & Thomas Sansone

Softball

MVP: Katie Dole
Most Improved Player: Michaela Hearst
Coaches Award: Alicia Sheehan

Cross Country

MVP: Travis Long
Most Improved Player: Brittany Cameron
Coaches Award: Becca Fisher

Womens Basketball

MVP: Meghan Cassidy
Most Improved Player: Marina Czechorowski
Coaches Award: Katie Dole

Men's Basketball

MVP: Patrick McKenna
Most Improved Player: Jamal Jackson
Coaches Award: Oliver Indarose

Cheerleading

MVP: Christina Osgood
Most Improved Player: Kellie Hickey
Coaches Award: Madeline Crapo

Soccer

MVP: Mustafa Bilal
Most Improved Player: Brian Clarke
Coaches Award: Tom Hoberg

Landmark College was the first institution of higher learning to pioneer college-level studies for students with dyslexia. Today Landmark College, offering two and four-year degree options, and summer programs for high school students and students visiting from other colleges, is a global leader in integrated teaching methods for students with learning disabilities, ADHD, and ASD. Students, faculty, and other professionals from all over the world are drawn to Landmark College for its innovative educational model, one designed through research and practice to help all students who learn differently become confident, self-empowered, and independently successful learners.

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