Athletes of the Month – 2019


October 2019

Boys Soccer – Robert Rutkowski – Goalie

Robbie has made over 100 saves this month, recorded key shutouts on Senior Night over Linden and in our County game vs Watchung Hills, stopped a PK Shootout attempt by Union to help us win our 1st Round State game, and was featured as a Skyland Conference Goalie of the Week on nj.com earlier this month.
 

Girls Soccer – Heather Cortese

As a senior and captain, Heather helped lead the team throughout October including 2 game winning goals over Watchung Hills and Pingry to lead the team to the Somerset County Finals.  Heather ended the season with 4 goals and 5 assists.  
 

Gymnastics – Ashleigh Bober

Ashleigh has been an outstanding asset to the Ridge Gymnastics team for the past four years. She has shown true dedication and leadership to her team and teammates. She is driven and willing to do what is asked of her and completes any task she is given with a smile. She puts her teammates first and is a huge asset to our team. As a senior we will miss her but we wish her the best of luck as she moves onto college. 
 

Field Hockey – Megan Olsen

Megan moved from the mid field to defense this season and has been extraordinary!  Not only does she match up against some of the best attackers in the state and shut them down, but she also uses her great stick skills to start our attack out of the back field.  She supports our attack on the right side and has been instrumental in our success during the month of October.  In addition to Megan’s skills, she’s been an incredible leader for us as a senior captain.  
 

Volleyball – Anna Peacock

Anna stepped into a new role this year on the Varsity as one of the Liberos.  For the month of October she averaged 12 digs per game and for the Somerset final she provided the team with 2 very timely ace serves, in addition to her 16 digs.  Anna has helped her teammates become more successful on offense by passing so well and playing a relentless defense.  Congrats!
 

Cross Country Boys – Jake Dobrowolski

Jake has significantly improved since the start of the season.  Jake has scored on varsity in the last two meets.  He helped the team place 2nd at Conference.  In addition, he was a major reason the team won the Somerset County Championship.  His performance at the County meet was part of the 5-man course record for Pleasant Valley Park.  
 

Cross Country Girls – Grace LaCapra

Grace has worked very hard and has moved in to a top Varsity position.  At both the Skyland Conference and Somerset County meets she finished as our third girl.  At the county meet she was 7th overall and helped the team to its 4th straight title. 
 

Cheerleading – Alyssa Ritter

As a senior, Alyssa leads by example and is a role model for the underclassmen on the Varsity Sideline team and the Green Competition team. Her smart, game-time decisions, paired with her mature perspective and ever-growing skills make her an incredibly valuable member of our program. 
 

Football – Jack Perry

One of our top players and a terrific leader.  He made several big plays week after week to help us win all 4 of our games in October.  Jack does it in the kicking game, on defense, and on offense.

 

 

September 2019

Boys Soccer – Brian Arrigan

Brian has scored 5 goals for us, two of them game-winners vs Watchung Hills and Phillipsburg.

Girls Soccer -Cameron Wylie

Senior- Captain- Defender – Cammie is a tenacious defender who helped to anchor the backline to limit our opponents to 1.5 goals a game. Cammie also scored 2 goals in an important conference game to end out September.

Football – Brendan Bell

Sr Captain – Great leader – Learned the quarterback position in just one summer. Has been a top player for us in our 2-1 start

Cheerleading – Ainsley LiCata

A senior on Varsity, Ainsley is working hard to perfect the gameday material and excel in her stunting skills. She is a leader by example and is a positive influence. Her attitude, paired with her work ethic make her a role model for her teammates.

Tennis – Carys Law

Carys is a 3 year varsity member playing 3rd singles. She has compiled an impressive 11-2 record this year in Varsity match play. She reached the Finals at the recent Somerset County Tennis Tournament. The Girls Varsity Team will begin competing in the NJ State Team Tournament in October.

Volleyball – Dana Collins

Dana is one of our captains this year and a setter. She is currently averaging 17 assists per game and is at a total of over 700 assists for her varsity career.

Field Hockey – Jane Islinger

Janie has anchored our defense in the month of September. She has had 4 defensive saves in our first 10 games. Under her leadership the field hockey team has compiled a 7-3 record, their best start in the past 5 years. Janie is competitive and an incredibly smart player. She has a great combination of aggressiveness and patience, making her an ideal defender. She has played lock down defense on some of the best offensive players in the state. While her skills are undeniable, Janie’s strongest attributes are her skills as a teammate- supportive, attentive, approachable, intense- she is a great all around leader, on and off the field.

Gymnastics – Sarah Castronovo

She has put in hard work and dedication to the team for the past three years and shows great leadership and responsibility on and off the team. Sarah continues to guide underclassmen to be their best and has competed bars, beam and floor and shown tremendous growth not only as a gymnast but as an amazing person.

Cross Country Girls – Katelyn King (12)

Katelyn has overcome injury and made a steady rise to the top of our team. In her season debut she finished 8th overall in the Senior division of the Magee Memorial race running a minute faster than this time last season. Her efforts helped the team to a win in both her race and the overall Championship that day. Her continual strive for excellence sets an example for all of her teammates.

Cross Country Boys – James Kisker

James has been a great addition to the cross country team. In his first race ever, he won the JV race breaking 17 min. He has consistently improved throughout the month and in his second race, help the team win the overall team title at the Magee Invitational. James came in as our 5th man that day helped set an all-time course record for the team at Greystone. His work ethic and tough racing have really stood out. Everything he has accomplished so far is very impressive for a first season athlete.

 

May 2019

 

Softball – Alexis Soulias

Al was flawless for us defensively this month! Had game changing plays and came up in big situations for us at the plate! 

Baseball – Cooper Bobowicz

In addition to providing great leadership on and off the field, Cooper had one of the most outstanding seasons in Ridge history going 10-0 on the mound with a 0.73 ERA.  
 

Girls Golf – Ann Kang, Emily Wang, Katherine Wang

Ann, Emily, and Katherine led us in State Sectional tournament and finished as a top team to qualify for Tournament of Champions. Best role models and teammates.
 

Boys Golf – James Pruskowski

As co-captain, JJ has been the number one golfer and a strong leader throughout the season.  He  had a great may with a nine-hole average of 37, and shooting 80 in the Skyland Conference Tournament, 78 in the Raider Invitational, and 80 in the State sectional Tournament.

Girls Lacrosse – Grace Kirkwood

Grace was a key leader for our team in May.   She had multiple games of five or more goals.  Played with poise and showed great confidence in her abilities.   
 

Boys Lacrosse – Nolan Haddad

Nolan ended the year with 20 goals and 20 assists.    Nolan was a very balanced offensive player for us all year.  Nolan helped Ridge achieve our third county title in program history.  Nolan had 5 assists that day!
 

Volleyball – Austin Zhao

Senior captain Austin Zhao led the team to its second state north 2 title.  Austin led the team with 182 kills this season and has amassed 677 kills over the 4 years he has played on the varsity squad.
 

Track & Field Boys – Ryan Lindrud

In the month of May, Ryan set himself apart by being the best athlete to ever come through the Ridge Boys Track program.  He individually broke the school records in the 800, 1600, and the 3200 meter runs.  He was the 1600m Conference Champion running 4:12 which was the top time in NJ.  At the Somerset County Championship, he won the 1600 and the 3200.  He won the NJ Sectional title in 1600 and the 800m run.  The Group 4 Championship, Ryan got 2nd to the national champion in the 800 by less than a second.  He ran on the 7th place finishing 4×400, which they also set a school record making that Ryan’s 4th school record of the month.  
 

Track & Field Girls – 1st Place State Section for Discus –  Carly Cambria (9)

Only a freshmen, Carly has grown in to one of the state’s top throwers.  She has excelled in all three throws (Shot Put, Discus and Javelin) as well as posting strong marks in both Long Jump and High Jump. 
 

Tennis – Samir Banerjee

Write-up to follow soon.

 

April 2019

 

Baseball – Jack Love

For the first month of the season Jack has dominated at the plate and on the mound leading the team to a 9-5 record.  He leads the team in hits, RBI, and doubles offensively.  He has also won 2 games on the mound while pitching to a 1.54 ERA with 24 Strikeouts and only 7 walks.  He has only given up 14 hits in 28 1/3 innings.  
 

Softball – Annabelle Hamilton

Annabelle Hamilton has gone on a tear at the plate this month!  She is Hitting .583 on the season with 3 triples she has shown leadership and poise in the leadoff position !
 

Lacrosse Boys – Sean Eversen

Through the first month of the season Sean has accumulated 23 goals and 27 assists.  He recently surpassed 100 career points as well.
 

Lacrosse Girls – Emily Schmitt

In the month of April Emily recorded her 200th save. She has been a consistent force on the defensive end for the whole season.  As we enter the  counties and state playoffs her maturity and leadership will be essential to our success.    
 

Girls Golf – Rachel McCormick

Rachel has consistently been our number 1 golfer with an April average of 41.  Leading the team as a Sophomore and among the top players in the County & Conference.
 

Boys Golf – Justin Strada

Justin has been a great addition to the Ridge Golf team.  He is a positive force on the team, always reminding his teammates to have fun.  Further, he is a hard worker, showing steady improvement this year.  He earned 5th individual honors at the High Bridge, shooting  a very impressive 74!
 

Volleyball – Michael Henderson

Michael led the Devils boys volleyball team to their best start ever.  Leading the offense he recorded 315 assists for the month of April and was named conference player of the week for the week of April 12th.
 

Tennis – Roshun Navin

Roshun has the led the Boys Varsity Tennis Team to an impressive 10-1 Record in the month of April. The Boys Tennis Team placed 2nd in the Somerset County Tournament and is currently ranked #8 in NJ. Roshun is a 4 year Varsity Starter and will attend the University of Illinois next fall. 
 

Track & Field Girls – Grace LaCapra

Grace ran a 58.7 at her first Penn Relays to help the girls team win their 4×400 heat and bring home another Penn plaque.  The next week she moved up to run a 2:23 800 and win a home meet.  She is also currently our 3rd best high jumper.  
 

Track & Field Boys – Jackson Barna

Jackson started off April very strong by helping us win the Somerset County Relay Championship by placing as our top performer in the 4 x mile relay.  He was also our top performer the week before in the 4 x mile at the Skyland Conference Relay Championship.  In addition, he ran in the Holmdel Penn qualifier and ran the fastest split. He ended the month helping his team win the Distance Medley relay at the Randolph Relays.  These were all a very impressive accomplishment as a freshman. 

 

 

February 2019

Swim Team – Boys – Michael Dong

Michael has steadily improved throughout his four years on the Ridge swim team. This month Michael has had a tremendous impact on the team in his 200 Individual Medley, 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly. Michael was MVP of the meet for our dual meet vs Pingry and he will be missed next year.

 

Swim Team – Girls – Claudia Taddeo

Claudia has been a tremendous asset to Ridge Swimming over her four year Varsity career. She has been a dependable 100 flyer and competed at the County / Conference meet this year in both the sprint freestyle and butterfly events. Claudia is also an amazing captain that will be missed next year. Claudia was MVP of the meet for our dual meet against Bridgewater.

Fencing – Boys – Eric Liu

Eric fenced consistently and excellently to capture vital wins on the way to Ridge’s 4th place in the state.

 

Fencing – Girls – Arianna Minassian

Arianna captained Ridge to first ever State Title. Led by example on and off the strip.

 

Wrestling – Jake Hendershot

Jake placed 2nd in District 14, 3rd in Region 4, and qualified for the State Tournament in Atlantic City. Jake finished the season with a record of 42-4, and a career record of 114-32. Congratulations!

 

Ice Hockey – Senior Alex Konovalov

Alex had 28 goals, 16 assists for 44 points since he came back from injury in very late January. He also had a goal and two assists in Ridges’ 4 – 1 win over Randolph at the Prudential Center that gave them the Public B School State Championship.

 

Ski Team – Boys – Mark Minsch

One of the top finishers in every race which helped to lead boys to Public Overall State Championship.

 

Ski Team – Girls – Aidyn Thompson

Strong consistent finishes leading girls to 18th straight berth in States.

 

Basketball – Girls – Ava Haiback

Ava is a junior guard on the Ridge Red Devils who were 8-4 in the month of February.  Ava is averaging 9.1 points per game, 1.9 rebounds per game and 1.5 assists per game.

 

Basketball – Boys – Mike Zima

Mike was a force inside for the boys basketball team all year long. Strong post play and strong leadership. He was our leading scorer and rebounder. Always a pleasure to coach. Mike will be dearly missed.

 

Competitive Cheer/Winter Cheer – Elsa Meiner

A junior on Varsity, Elsa demonstrated tremendous maturity and leadership this year, especially throughout Nationals and States, and demonstrated a balanced, focused, and driven attitude to help lead her team to success. She persevered as a base, working hard to hit new skills all season and helped her stunt group thrive under pressure. Elsa is strength personified, a leader by example, and an inspiration to her teammates.

 

Winter Track & Field – Boys
“5×800” – Ryan Lindrud, Alex Sargen, Will Pinto, Luke Roberts, and Sam Lewis

These 5 athletes all contributed in a huge way to the success of the boy’s track team in February.  Ryan, Sam, Will, and Luke qualified for the Millrose Games and ran a school record time running a US #5 time.  Ryan, Will, and Sam went 1-2-3 in the sectional 1600 to help us win the 2nd State Sectional title in school history.  Lastly, Alex, Will, Luke, and Ryan won the Meet of Champions 4×800 and earned All-American status by improving on the school record and placing 5th at Nationals.

 

Winter Track & field – Girls
Manon Stephen (11), Olivia Cicchetti (11), Tatum Peskin (11) and Morgan Lyons (10)

Girls 4×800 meter Relay –  The girls won both the Eastern States meet and the NJSIAA Meet of Champions in this event.   Later they followed up with a 6th place finish at new Balance nationals to earn All American status.  It was the school’s 7th straight Meet of Champions title and 3rd straight All american status in this event.

 

 

 

 

JANUARY 2019

 

Ice Hockey – Alex Konovalov

When Alex got the first assist in Ridge’s game against Hunterdon Central that gave him a high school career total of 70 goals, 75 assists for 145 points which broke Keith Macey’s (2008) previous all-time Ridge point record of 144 points. In the next game against Bridgewater-Raritan,  Alex scored the first goal which gave him 75 career goals. That broke Mike Podwalski’s (2001) all-time Ridge goal record of 74 goals.
 

Girls Basketball – Sophie Beneventine

Sophie is a junior and the point guard on the Ridge Red Devils who were 7-5 in the month of January..  Soph is averaging 6.9 points per game, 3.3 assists per game, and 4.4 rebounds per game.  She scored 11 points vs Rutgers Prep and Phillipsburg.
 

Boys Basketball Gavin Kreitz

Fearless competitor. Diligent worker who has put in so much extra time to become the player he is today. Consistent long range shooter, tight handle, and phenomenal passer. Fearless competitor. Diligent worker who has put in so much extra time to become the player he is today. Consistent long range shooter, tight handle, and phenomenal passer.
 

Girls Fencing – Zoe Kim

Zoe went undefeated at the statewide tournament Santelli (women).
 

Boys Fencing – Advaith Rege

Advaith performed wonderfully well at Cetrulo suffering only one loss all day.
 

Boys Swimming – Chris Fabian

Chris is a tremendous talent in the pool that excels in sprint freestyle and backstroke. He is a junior that continues to contribute to dozens of points for our team. Earlier this month Chris broke the team record in the 50 freestyle and contributed to the 200 freestyle relay that qualified for Meet of Champions. He has also qualified for multiple individual events for Meet of Champions in March.

 

Girls Swimming – Maggie Hannis

Maggie is an outstanding and versatile sophomore swimmer that excels in almost every stroke. She was a member of the 400 freestyle relay squad that qualified for Meet of Champions earlier this month. Maggie will be competing in multiple events at County and Conference Championships and is looking to score individual points.
 

Girls Ski Team –Noa Fransech-Huc
Boys SKi Team – Rishi Kundgargi

Both have lead their teams to strong starts with strong individual finishes.
 

Winter Track & Field Girls – Jennifer Hodges (10)

Jen has become one of our more versatile athletes excelling in High Jump, Hurdles and sprints from 55-800 meters.  These abilities and steady improvement helped lead the team to a 2nd place finish in the Group 4 Relay meet and a 1st Place finish in the Skyland Conference.
 

Winter Track & Field Boys – Luke Roberts

During the month of January Luke Roberts has earned two school records in long jump and the 400 meter run.  In addition, he is the 2nd fastest runner in the 300 to ever come through Ridge.  Luke is one of the top scoring members of the varsity team both in individual events and in relays.  At the end of the month, Luke was excited to move up in distance and has one of the fastest 800 times on the team. He has improved significantly from last season and I anticipate him having a phenomenal state season.

 

Wrestling – Chris Love/Jake Stein/Kevin Fern

3 captains – provided leadership throughout the season and helped propel the Wrestling team to an 18-9 dual meet season.

 

 

* Descriptions provided by team coaches