Sampoli, Zaniewski top student-athletes

Written by Staff
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 13:31

Sara Sampoli and Max Zaniewski from Amity High were among 14 student-athletes from seven high schools named The SportsCenter of Connecticut/Southern Connecticut Conference Scholar Athletes of the Month for September.

Now in its fourth year, The SportsCenter of Connecticut/SCC Scholar Athlete of the Month program honors 14-16 outstanding young men and women each month during the 2009-10 academic year.

“Many thanks to the Sports Center of Connecticut for its continuing support of the SCC and the Scholar Athlete of the Month program,” SCC Commissioner Al Carbone said. “This conference has been proud of its success for the last 16 years. To be able to recognize outstanding young men and women who have demonstrate the desire and ability to exceed solidifies what the SCC is all about.”

Sara Sampoli

A member of the Lady Spartans’ swimming and diving team, Sampoli has also excelled in the classroom, where she sports an impressive 3.82 grade point average and ranks 11th in a class of 407 students.

A four-year letterwinner, she has been one of the SCC’s top swimmers.

“Sara is an outstanding example of what it means to be a scholar athlete,” Amity girls swimming coach Todd Rainey said. “She is a tireless worker and intense competitor in the pool. Her advanced academic course-load shows she constantly strives to challenge herself and be the best she can.”

Max Zaniewski

A member of the Spartans’ boys soccer team, Zaniewski has been an exceptional performer in the classroom, where he ranks 10th in a class of 407 students and holds an impressive 3.93 grade point average.

Last fall, Zaniewski was part of a defensive unit that helped Amity to its first-ever SCC boys soccer championship.

“Max is an exemplary athlete and his work ethic in the classroom is mimicked on the soccer field,” Amity boys soccer coach Mike Marchitto said. “ He is a true sportsman and leader.”

Student athletes who are selected must be a varsity letterwinner and have a 3.0/B average while demonstrating leadership qualities.

Sports Center of CT/SCC Scholar Athlete’s of the Month recipients receive a certificate, commemorative tee-shirt and a SportsCenter of Connecticut activity pass.

Founded in 1994, the Southern Connecticut Conference is in its 16th season of competition in 2009-10 with 22 member-schools and nearly 23,000 students.

Recognized as the premier athletic league in the state, SCC member schools have captured 275 state championships since the league’s inception.

More importantly, the SCC is recognized for its outstanding non-athletic programs and events, which attempt to breakdown barriers and build bridges of understanding to its students.

For more information on the SCC, visit SouthernConnecticutConference.org.