The 2024 Falcon Athletic Awards Ceremony celebrated the dedication, skill, and Riverdale spirit of our student-athletes, coaches, and families. Director of Athletics John Pizzi said, “This past year, 490 out of 580 Upper School students participated on varsity and junior varsity teams, marking an all-time high of 84.5% participation.”
Also, 117 student-athletes challenged themselves to compete in three different sports, during all three seasons, including 67 who competed on three varsity teams.
Riverdale’s coaches were also recognized for their guidance and mentoring that helps shape our student-athletes. For fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership, a special thanks went to our Student-Athlete Committee members — Luca DeFelice, Savy Phillips, Calvin Butts, Hunter Earle, Kiri Jensen, and Annabelle Na.
Mr. Pizzi expressed his gratitude to all student-athletes: “You competed with grit, worked hard every day in practice, and represented Riverdale on the fields and courts with the highest display of pride and sportsmanship. I truly thank you for all that you do for our school.”
Congratulations to all our award recipients, coaches, and families who have played a vital role in the success of Falcon Athletics. Falcons Fly High!
Al Davis Scholar Athlete Award – Lucas Black, Emily Faber, Daniel Levey
Named after our former outstanding teacher and coach of 30 years who was dedicated to developing complete, well-rounded individuals, this award is presented to student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in both the classroom and in Athletics.
Dominic A.A. Randolph Award – Calvin Butts V, Savy Phillips
The Dominic A.A. Randolph Award is given to two student-athletes who represent the qualities that Mr. Randolph taught and modeled during his tenure as Head of School at Riverdale. The recipients demonstrate strong character, tireless grit, and exceptional leadership skills.
Founders Award – Kiri Jensen
The award is presented to a young woman who best demonstrated outstanding ability, leadership, sportsmanship, and the qualities of hard work, an excellent attitude, and a responsibility to her teammates and school.
Frank Bertino Award – Dylan Sullivan
Named after our former athletic director and football coach of 40 years who stressed the values of leadership, sportsmanship, hard work, an excellent attitude, and responsibility to school and teammates and school, the Bertino award goes to the young man who has demonstrated outstanding ability,
Unsung Hero Award – Sydney Black
Given in loving memory of our late student-athlete, Dawn Lynn DeMarco, the Unsung Hero Award recognizes a student-athlete from the girls’ varsity teams who exemplifies Dawn’s values: dedication to sport, devotion, support and respect of her teammates, untiring optimism, warmth, friendliness and commitment.
Photos by Jim Anness.