Fall sports are coming to a close, marking the end of the seniors’ high school athletic careers. Football, Cheerleading, Girls’ Volleyball, Girls’ Tennis, along with Girls’ and Boys’ Soccer have dedicated one special night to recognize their seniors and celebrate their athletic accomplishments.
Becton Football took on Elmwood Park on Oct. 4, 2024 at their senior night game, with a win of 33-0. Thirty minutes before the start of the game, senior football players and cheerleaders were escorted down the field by their families. Seniors Jonathan Palsi, Kristian Fragoso, Kason An, Jayiem Gilkes, Brandon Osorio, Irving Lerdo, Chase Cohen, Adam Hassan, Michael Lenoy, Ashton Reyees, Zacq Cartey, Richard Pierson, Albert (AJ) Petrella and Ryan McGuire were honored at the game. Gianna Viso, Alexa Latierno, Caralyn Taylor, Sophia Offreda, Katie Saavedra-Boscia, Kimi Tampadong and Ysu Lee were celebrated as senior cheerleaders. Although no cheerleaders hope to continue cheerleading after high school, several football players aspire to play football beyond high school.
Coach Jack Maher commented that watching the seniors grow into young men over the course of their four years of high school football has been his favorite memory. “Some of them were small, skinny freshmen that have turned into men. For example, Adam Hassan was the largest waterboy we have ever had when he was a freshman. He used to wheel his shopping cart onto the field to give varsity players water,” Maher playfully mentioned.
Players and cheerleaders note that the ceremony was bittersweet. “I remember seeing all of the seniors at their senior night throughout the years, so to finally be in that position is definitely a surreal experience,” Palsi remarked. Viso leaves with advice to underclassmen, “Treasure every moment. One day you might not want to go to practice, but when high school is over, moments with your teammates are going to be moments you will miss most.” Hassan also commented that after the ceremony, it prompted many of the players to remember what little time everyone has left together, and that it is important to cherish all moments before the season comes to an end.
Boys’ Soccer went up against Newark Tech on Oct. 8, 2024. Although the game ended with an unfortunate loss for Becton, players could all agree that their ceremony was a fantastic way to acknowledge the hard work each senior has put in this season. Seniors who were honored were Saif Ahmed, Christian Alfaro, Liam Stigh, Louie Acero, Steven Longo and Gustavo Costa.
Coach Mike Furino remarked that he has built a strong bond with his seniors, who he will be sad to see go. “They are such great young men that do well in school and are respectful to everyone around them,” Furino commented. He shared fond memories with the seniors, such as winning the division title two years ago and winning the Red Bull stadium game, stating that they will truly be missed next year.
Girls’ Volleyball took on Wallington at their annual Battle of Paterson Ave, acknowledging seniors Amanda Malave, Kayla Torres, Tenzin Namdol, Analise Feliz, Marisa Sclafani and Christiana Akiki on Oct. 10, 2024. Malave mentioned what a surreal experience senior night was for her and many of her teammates, “All these years, I’ve made posters and supported my senior teammates. It’s just one of those things that you never think will be you.” All of the volleyball seniors have been playing since their freshman year, and were extremely eager to finally play at their senior night. Namdol added, “Getting remotely good at a sport is not a linear road, and sometimes you may just forget a skill or have to brush up on it. You just have to trust the process and understand that everything is okay.”
Girls’ Tennis also had their senior night on Oct. 10, 2024, celebrating seniors Kailyn Manzo, Abigail Loibl, Leah Patterson, Kaylee Dearborn and Kristen Dearborn. Manzo and Patterson are the only two with hopes of playing tennis after high school, but all players can agree that tennis was a staple in their athletic careers at Becton. Ka. Dearborn has been playing since her sophomore year, “I had never even touched a tennis racket, but I wanted to participate in a fall sport, and I’m so glad I chose tennis.”
Coach Damian Daniello is extremely proud of his seniors this year. “Tennis is not a popular sport in this area, and to start playing something completely new and finding success is a huge accomplishment,” he commented, congratulating the seniors for the fantastic season they have had so far.
On Oct. 15, 2024, Girls’ Soccer supported their seniors against Dumont. Seniors Olivia Busa, Ava Borntrager, Mia Natale, Gracie Taylor, Sandra Nizborski, Alyson Alcantara, Morgan Wagner, Kaitlyn Reiner and Francesca Buda were escorted down the field by their families at halftime to honor the incredible efforts they have shown throughout their athletic careers. Although multiple of the players have been playing for as long as 10 years, most will not continue their soccer careers in college; therefore, the event was filled with a bittersweet sense of pride and nostalgia. Busa left underclassmen with wise advice, “High school goes by quicker than you think, which sounds cliche, but it’s definitely true. Enjoy every practice, game, bus ride and just have fun on the field.”
Coach Ashley Paladino praises the seniors this year, remarking that they were the foundation of the team when she started three years ago, “This season has not been easy; there have been ups and downs since the beginning. The team has shown resilience and dedication since the season started.”
Becton’s senior nights for fall sports have not only celebrated the individual accomplishments of each player but also the effort of each team. Congratulations to all senior athletes! May the passion you’ve shown continue to inspire future Wildcats!
