St. Mary’s recognizes boys soccer team

LYNNFIELD – The St. Mary’s boys soccer team celebrated another successful season at its banquet Tuesday at Spinelli’s in Lynnfield.The Spartans reached the Division 4 North semifinals after finishing 10-4-4 during the regular season (12-5-4 overall). They also won the Lynn City Tournament for the third consecutive time and finished third in the Catholic Central League.Coach Mike D’Agostino and his staff recognized every player in the program, from the sixth grade to the 12th. Seniors Armando Lezama, Drew DiMaiti and goalie Helio Neto were each recognized with Hall of Fame Awards; Erik Whitcomb received the Kevin Roach Scholarship Award, given in memory of late assistant coach Kevin Roach. Former St. Mary’s coach Al Jackson was on hand to speak about his friend and former fellow coach, but the award was actually presented by current assistant coach Joe Gill, who is Roach’s nephew.Other major varsity awards went to Neto, who was named team Most Valuable Player; Kevin Esper, Coaches Award; Dan Montoya, Hustle Award; Conor Foley, Most Improved; Patrick Morin-Plante, Best Defensive Player Award, and Noah Camelo, Best Offensive Player Award.One of the most poignant moments of the night came when former St. Mary’s boys soccer player Chris Frazcek, who was seriously injured in a car accident several years ago, spoke to this year’s players and presented the Alumni Award to Marko Stipanovic.Fraczek arrived at St. Mary’s in 2000 as a seventh grader. He played for Jackson and by the time he left, he was a captain. He went on to play at the college level.”A couple of years ago I was in an accident that almost took my life,” he said. “It was pretty bad … you were all there for me. I can’t thank you guys enough.”He thanked everyone in the St. Mary’s community for all the support they gave him and his family following the accident and during his recovery. He also encouraged those who are still playing to enjoy their time as a Spartan because it goes quickly.”Trust me. Enjoy it,” he said.This year’s captains also welcomed the captains-elect for the 2014 season – Morin-Plante, Camelo, Zach Stueve and Cristian Chavez. The coaches also recognized the five players, Camelo, Esper, Morin-Palnt, Chavez and Neto for being named Catholic Central League All-Stars. Neto was also an Eastern Mass All-Star.Junior varsity awards went to Thiago DeOliviero, Best Offensive Player; Noah Winston, Best Defensive Player; Jimoh George, Best Defensive Player; Michael Carroll, Most Improved; Jolssen Rodriguez, Coaches Award and Olushola George, Most Valuable Player. Jose DelValle took home the Moving on Up Award.