Broadalbin-Perth rolled out the red carpet — literally — for the inaugural Varsity Student-Athlete Recognition Program on Monday, June 13.
Varsity student-athletes and their families began the evening by enjoying hors d’oeuvres and photos in the lobby of the Margaret Robin Blowers Auditorium, then took their seats for the main event. WNYT sports reporter and Fulton County native Lexi Swatt served as MC for the night, while B-P alum and former UFC fighter Maurice Greene ’04 gave the keynote address.
In his remarks, Greene spoke of the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, encouraged the student-athletes to be “all in” in their dedication to their sports, and urged them to keep moving forward even when life throws them curveballs.
Student-athletes from every varsity team were recognized throughout the evening, with special acknowledgment for those who have achieved academic honors, individuals who play three or four varsity sports, and winners of the B-P Sports Booster Club scholarship. Sophomore alpine skier Colin Cotter, who won the NYSPHSAA state championship in combined and slalom this winter, was presented with his championship banner, which will hang in Robert C. Munn Gymnasium.
The evening culminated with the presentation of the Male and Female Student-Athlete of the Year awards to seniors Samuel Rogers and Sophia Rogers.
A four-year varsity starter and senior captain for the Patriots’ soccer team, Sam was named Foothills Council MVP and Player of the Year by the Times Union and Section 2 Class B. He also earned first-team all-state honors in 2021, making him the first player in school history to be named to an all-state team twice in a career. Sam scored a school-record 70 career goals and was ranked as the second-best player at a small school in the state. Sam was also a member of the B-P boys basketball team.
This season, Sophia was captain of the varsity girls lacrosse team, and she earned a spot on the Foothills Council First Team in 2021. On the volleyball court, Sophia has been a four-year starter, helping lead the Patriots to the state Final Four every year (with the exception of 2020, when the state tournament was not held because of COVID). During the 2021 regular season, Sophia amassed 124 kills, 54 aces, and 33 blocks, giving her career totals of 641 kills, 212 aces, and 126 blocks. Sophia was named to the Foothills Council First Team in 2019 and 2021, as well as the All-State Volleyball Class B First Team in 2021.