PEABODY — It truly was a game of, “Who’s who?”
If you walked into Salem Country Club on Wednesday, you would have been around some of the top athletes, coaches, athletic directors, organizers, and media members the North Shore has to offer – all to celebrate two special people.
At the 32nd Moynihan Lumber North Shore Student-Athlete of the Year luncheon, St. John’s Prep’s Jake Vana and Peabody’s Abby Bettencourt were honored for outstanding achievement in the classroom and in competition.
Vana, a six-time state title winner at The Prep and captain of the soccer, hockey, and lacrosse teams, admitted he doesn’t get emotional too often. Wednesday, however, was an exception for the Princeton University commit.
“I’m so grateful, so honored to receive such an award,” said Vana, whose mother, Becky Blaeser, received the same honor while at Masconomet in 1994. “Thank you to the Moynihans. It’s so wonderful and I’m so honored. Thank you to everyone.”
Presenting his award was Prep hockey coach Kris Hanson, who touched upon Vana’s impact beyond his “Jordan-esque” athletic career.
“Jake is passionate and cares about his team and his campus. He is so much more than just an athlete,” said Hanson, who teamed up with Vana this past winter for another hockey title. “I have to recognize Jake’s family. The support he gets has shaped him into the man he is today.”
When it was Peabody volleyball coach Lisa Keene’s turn to present Bettencourt with her award, she described the student-athlete as a “game-changer.”
It’s true. A three-sport ace for the Tanners in volleyball, basketball and softball, she has committed to Brown University to continue her career on the diamond as an ace pitcher and hitter.
“I want to thank everyone involved behind the scenes for making this happen,” Bettencourt said. “I step onto the field and into the classroom to do it for all of you guys.”
Jack Moynihan – on behalf of Moynihan Lumber and the Moynihan family – presented Vana and Bettencourt with $2,000 each.
“Both award winners today are generational.” he said. “Congratulations to you both. You’ve joined an illustrious list.”
Jack’s brother, Gerard, the founder of the student-athlete recognition program, was unable to attend due to health issues.
“Gerard, unfortunately, couldn’t be here,” said event emcee Paul Halloran. “I spoke with him and it kills him that he can’t be here. He is the reason this program got started and that it endures today.”
Jeff Newhall, a member of the MIAA’s Tournament Management Committee, as well as the athletic director and girls basketball coach at St. Mary’s, received the Post-Graduate Achievement Award.
“It’s an honor to be with the people in this room,” said Newhall, whose athletics program has had at least one team win a state championship across the last 17 years. “I love going to work every day.”
Receiving the Lifetime Commitment Award (schools) was a pair of distinguished high school coaches in Triton’s Donna Andersen (field hockey) and Prep’s Manny Costa (wrestling).
“I’m not going to lie, this was the one award I wanted to win before I passed away. … I will cherish this more than anything,” said Costa, the winningest coach in Massachusetts high school wrestling history. “I’m 0-0 at The Prep. My wrestlers won everything.”
Former longtime Salem High baseball and assistant football coach Al Giardi received the Lifetime Commitment Award (community), while the Fan Award went to Mike Grenier, former sportswriter at the Salem News.
“I’ve been able to create such great relationships,” Grenier said. “It’s been a phenomenal day.”
Some other familiar faces in the room included Mike Lynch, Frank Carey, Nelson Woodfork, Robert Jauron, Dick Baker, Mike Giardi, and Dan Bauer.
