RSS 2.0 FeedThursday, January 12, 2012, Merrick Life
Calhoun players sign with NCAA division-ranked schools
See who is going where.
SIGNED UP: Joining Calhoun students (in no particular order) Sal Armao, Zach Goldstein, Michael Grossane, Mary Hijazi, Cole Kalibat, Alex Rodriquez, Frank Trimarco, Alex Vargas and Tom Vivertio are former Calhoun baseball coach and Calhoun Hall of Famer Joe Corea, Calhoun Athletic Director June Spruyt, Soccer Coach Lori Biscardi and Vice-Principal Nicole Hollings. Merrick Life photo by Douglas Finlay
by Anthony Belbol and Andrew Ryan
Nine Calhoun High School students have made commitments to attend Division I, II and III colleges for athletics after they graduate high school.
Sal Armao, Zach Goldstein, Mike Grossane, Mary Hijazi, Alex Rodriguez, Alex Vargas, Cole Kalibat, Frank Trimarco and Tom Viverito have all signed letters of commitment based on their athletic excellence.
“We’d like to take a moment to recognize the accomplishments of our student athletes” said Calhoun Vice-Principal Nicole Hollings at a news conference announcing the signings. “These Calhoun athletes have truly distinguished themselves for their commitment to playing a sport and now have the opportunity to continue to play at the college level.”
Each student was asked to give a statement after being introduced. Sal Armao is joining the Southern Connecticut Owls, a Division II baseball team, and said he wishes to play at the college level.
Zach Goldstein is going to the Southern New Hampshire Patriots, another Division II baseball team. He said, “I want to receive a college education and improve through the player development program.”
Mike Grossane is signing with the Clark University Cougars, a Division III baseball team, and said he wants to get a college education and continue playing the game he loves. Mary Hijazi is attending Manhattan College and playing Division I Soccer for the Jaspers. She declared, “I want to further my education and play the game I love.”
Cole Kalibat is playing Division II Lacrosse for the Tampa University Spartans, and noted he wants to further his education and improve at lacrosse. Alex Rodriguez is going to Caldwell College and playing for the Division II Cougars Baseball team. He added that “I want the college experience and to develop my baseball skills.”
Frank Trimarco is going to Monmouth University with the Division I Hawks baseball team. He vowed to win the league his freshman year while receiving a college education.
Alex Vargas will play with Delaware State University Division I Blue Hens baseball team. He said he looks forward to being on his own, and playing and working hard every day. Thomas Viverito is attending Farmingdale State University and playing for the Division III Rams baseball team. He said “I look forward to studying criminal justice.”
This newspaper spoke with June Spruyt, Calhoun’s athletic director, and asked her thoughts on the athletes. “For the athletes, it is a wonderful accomplishment to play at the next level. Not many high school athletes have that opportunity.”
When asked about her opinion of the school and its programs, she responded that “for the school, it’s a great accomplishment. The athletes work hard, so do the coaches to develop the athletes for the high school level and beyond. The school takes great pride in the student athletes and the athletic program.”
See Merrick Life’s Facebook page for comments on the signings.
– Andrew Ryan and Anthony Belbol are in the Senior Experience program at Calhoun and are interns at Bellmore/Merrick Life.
