I AM SPORT Award
Matthew Rypkema of Waldwick won the I AM Sport Award, which honors high school student-athletes who are committed to giving back to the youth in their communities.
Rypkema, who had a severe case of arrhythmia, became an advocate for heart screenings and raising awareness of sudden cardiac arrest and sudden cardiac deaths in youths.
Also nominated were Madison Phillips of Wayne Valley and Connor Tsikitas of St. Joseph Regional.
Courage Award
Glen Rock softball player Ellen Fuess was the recipient of the Courage Award. Fuess, who suffered a concussion when she fell into the metal bleachers as she was catching a foul ball, made it back to the field just three weeks later.
“Thank you so much for this award … it means everything to me,” Fuess said. “I want to thank my mom and dad, my coach and my instructors. I wouldn’t be the player I am without them and can’t thank them enough.”
Individual Players of the Year
Here are NJIC athletes that were individual sports winners as announced at the show:
Boys Soccer: Carlo Gonzalez (Pompton Lakes)
Wrestling: Mickey O’Malley (Hasbrouck Heights)
Girls Basketball: Michelle Sidor (Saddle River Day)
Boys Tennis: Chikaya Sato (Cresskill);
Girls Lacrosse: Michaela McMahon (Saddle River Day)
Boys Track: Wellington Ventura (Cresskill)
