VTHS honors outstanding athletes

VERNON — The Vernon Township High School Athletic Dept. honored its outstanding athletes for weeks 2 and 3 of the winter 2017-18 season.
Senior Aila Altunbilek recently participated in the semifinals in the 55m and 200m events at the Indoor Track Festival at the NYC Armory.
Aila finished in the top 16 out of 125 athletes.
According to Coach Saganiec, Aila is a tremendous leader who is also one of the team captains. She is a great role model for the younger kids and has a willingness to help her less-experienced teammates.
Senior Sergio Germinario is off to a 6-0 start for the varsity wrestling team at 113 pounds. Sergio just came back to the sport this year as a senior. He last competed in 8th grade. According to Coach Piontkowski.
Sergio has a great work ethic and attitude. He is a fantastic role model for the younger kids on the team.
Junior Brietta Patterson is very happy to be back out on the basketball court. Injuries have forced Brietta to watch from the sidelines the last two seasons. She currently leads the varsity girls basketball team in scoring, averaging 12 points a game.
She also averages two assists and two steals per game. According to Coach Ocello, Brietta is a huge asset to the team. She has great court vision, which allows her to see the whole floor and put her teammates in the right position to succeed.
Sophomore Cole Benkendorf recently won the 100-meter freestyle against the combined High Point/Wallkill Valley Swim team last week. He also placed second in the 100-meter breaststroke.
According to Coach Miller, Cole has been his most consistent swimmer this season. Cole is a well-rounded individual who balances a rigorous academic schedule along with performing arts and athletics.