Red Bank Regional Spring Sports Senior Salute

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COURTESY DENISE JADEVAIA
Max Stamer was one of 10 RBR seniors who had their season taken away due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Red Bank Regional baseball coach Nick Tucker on his seniors, Ryan Lahey (catcher), Ryan McBride (pitcher, first base), Jack McCabe (pitcher, third base), Mike Niro (outfield), Joe Pallante (outfield, pitcher), Doug Scales (pitcher, infield), Max Stamer (pitcher, outfield), Sam Wasserfall (first base), Kyle Weisman (pitcher, outfield), Jack Welsh (outfield):

The RBR baseball team was looking forward to this spring season and was ready to hit the ground running. The team was led by a great group of seniors who led by example since the fall in the weight room and with their off-season training. Each of these seniors has shown tremendous character throughout the year, especially during this difficult time, staying sharp and being positive leaders. Each one will be missed greatly and the entire coaching staff is thankful for their dedication, leadership, perseverance and most importantly, their commitment to the program the last four years. We are proud of them and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

COURTESY DENISE JADEVAIA
Nicholette Daniele played second base for the Red Bank Regional softball team. Red Bank Regional softball coach Mike Pembleton on his seniors:

Maggie Watson is a 4-year varsity player. She has demonstrated over the years that her strong presence and composure on the mound exemplifies her leadership on and off the field. Maggie has proven to be a tough competitor.
Abby Wagner is a 4-year varsity player. Her hot glove at third base delivers key defensive plays at the right time. This slugger’s big bat also can provide timely offense for the team.
Katie Jensen is a 4-year varsity player. Her athleticism and versatility allow her to play both the infield and the outfield. Katie’s speed and intelligence on the bases helps put runs on the board for her team. Nicholette Daniele is a 2-year varsity player. She is a scrappy second baseman who has developed into a key defensive player. Nicholette’s grit and determination is also apparent at the plate. Madison Young is a first-year varsity player. Her ability to control the game behind the plate
or be a steady glove at first base makes her an asset to the team.
COURTESY DENISE JADEVAIA
Michael Tobin played first doubles for the Bucs in his junior season

Red Bank Regional boys tennis coaches Krishna Kanuga and Mike O’Krepki on their seniors:

The boys tennis team was very excited about this season and had worked very hard in the off season. The seniors were looking to cap their four years with a strong run toward a divisional championship. Unfortunately, we could only have one day of practice. We cannot speak enough about the seniors on the team. They have all represented RBR and the team in the best possible manner on and off the court. They’ve always demonstrated tremendous sportsmanship, class, and integrity, on the court and sometimes even in situations when the same was not reciprocated by their opponents. They have always shown respect toward their teammates and help each other get better. They have been the best cheerleaders when needed. Most importantly they never complained about the cold, or the amount of work that was demanded from them. This graduating class of seniors on the team were great role models to the underclassmen. We are very proud of them and we wish them the very best in life after RBR. Congratulations to Dillon O’Connor, Mike Tobin, Kevin Farley and Mike Caviglia. We thank them for all they have done for the boys tennis team.

COURTESY DENISE JADEVAIA
Benjamin Smelas was one of five seniors on the Red Bank Regional boys golf team roster.

Red Bank Regional golf coach Mike Canning on his seniors:

Even though the 2020 RBR golf team never even got to tryouts, that did not mean the team was lacking in any leadership, experience or talent. With a potential of five returning seniors, the golf team was poised to become a household name around the Shore Conference this spring. Senior Chris Rainville, a leader through having the most varsity experience, would have surely led a strong stable of golfers into his senior campaign. Along with Chris, senior Eric Deykerhoff is a formidable golfer whose quiet nature cannot be taken for granted as his low scores throughout his three years as a varsity golfer placed him in a position this year to possibly shoot his lowest of his career. Senior Mackenzie Wood, one of the Shore Conference’s strongest female golfers, was also in position to have a breakout year. Mackenzie not only plays for the boys’ squad (matches and boys’ tournaments), but she also competes in all the girls’ tournaments as well, consistently placing in the top 10 percent for both the Monmouth County and Shore Conference tournaments.

In high school golf, it is always good to have three golfers score low rounds and it becomes a treat when you can have four to all five golfers shoot low. Seniors Ben Smelas and Mason Schweers provide the Bucs with that opportunity; golfers whose experience and dedication to the sport have put them in a position to not only have their best year for the program, but individually as well, as their golf games have matured significantly over their years here at Red Bank Regional.

The RBR golf program thanks each of these individuals for their dedication, maturity, leadership and teamwork to this program. Although they did not get the chance to show the Shore Conference what they could accomplish this year, they leave this program having made a positive impact on both the underclassmen and their coach.

The article originally appeared in the June 18-24, 2020 print edition of The Two River Times.