ELLENVILLE — It’s turning out to be something of a banner year for Ellenville High School athletics, despite the cancellation or postponement of sports seasons due to COVID-19.
Eye-catching blue and gold banners recently installed in the school gymnasium are highlighting many of the feats achieved by Blue Devils athletes, ranging from team championships, to induction into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame, to individual milestones like rushing for 1,000 yards in a single season, slugging 100 career hits in softball or baseball, or scoring 50 goals over the course of a scholastic soccer career. The colorful vinyl banners also recognize Ellenville’s individual New York State Public High School Athletic Association champions.
“The gymnasium looks awesome, and we all are very proud of this new makeover,” said Kermit Moyer, Ellenville’s Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics, speaking of the new banners as well as the gymnasium’s brand-new painting job. “I am very grateful to all of the people who contributed to the completion of this project, including our Buildings and Grounds staff,” he said.
Improvements to the weight room, another part of the District’s effort to upgrade its athletic facilities, were made last year, Moyer added.
Moyer gives thanks to Banner Committee members Dan Cavanagh, Bryan Bonitz, Maxwell Mead, Jen Alger, and Jack Carter for helping to shepherd the banner project to a successful conclusion. “All five of these committee members have extensive experience with our District’s athletic program, and their insights were invaluable in verifying which years our teams earned championships,” he said.
The old banners, which had faded with age and which had limited room for the addition of new athletic accomplishments, have been carefully placed in storage, Moyer noted.
Varsity Boys Soccer Coach Maxwell Mead, who teaches Middle School Health and Physical Education, was eager to pitch in. “I felt it was important to honor the history of our athletic programs while also updating how we display and pay tribute to all of the players, coaches, and teams that have impacted our community through athletics,” he said. Mead especially enjoyed the opportunity to help research Ellenville's athletic teams as far back as the 1920s.
By listing sports-specific records, the banners will help inspire Ellenville’s student athletes to strive to achieve in their respective sports, Mead suggested. “I hope the banners are another motivating factor for our athletes to give their coaches, team, and community their best effort in representing this fantastic school district!” he said.
Varsity Boys Basketball and Softball Coach Bryan Bonitz, who teaches Physical Education at the High School, agreed, adding that the updated gymnasium is sure to be a new source of pride for the high school. “The committee worked extremely hard to get this project right, and we’ve received lots of positive reactions from everyone who’s seen it,” he said. “It’s very gratifying,” he said.