For their accomplishments in the classroom and their respective athletic endeavors, St. Mary’s football and basketball standout Sam Phelps and Marblehead cross country star Marri O’Connell have been chosen as the Moynihan Lumber North Shore Student-Athletes of the Month for October.
Phelps, a Scholar-Athlete Award winner in football and basketball, does it all for the Spartans. During his freshman year, St. Mary’s defeated Stoneham in the Division 6 Super Bowl.
“I’m looking to play (football) in college now,” said Phelps, who will decide on a college after the recruitment process. “Winning a state championship freshman year, giving it your all in practice and being with your friends — that was probably my favorite memory.”
Phelps also played AAU basketball and summer baseball for Greater Lynn Babe Ruth.
And with four younger siblings, he is just as busy in the community. Phelps is a youth football and basketball coach, camp counselor, peer tutor, student fundraising coordinator, lector, elderly housing volunteer, and elementary school volunteer, among other responsibilities.
“Most of it is with my siblings, so being able to see them grow and being a good help for them, it means a lot.”
In the classroom, Phelps holds a 4.28 GPA with four AP classes and scored a 1300 on his SATs. He received the Endicott College Book Award, is a member of National Honor Society, and on the Principal’s List at St. Mary’s.
“I’ve always leaned in to having stronger academics; it’s something I definitely take seriously,” said Phelps, who added math is his strong suit. “This feels awesome. You look back at all of the work and hours I’ve put in — both athletically and academically — and it definitely means a lot to be rewarded.”
Over at Marblehead High, O’Connell has also put in the hours.
With a 4.237 cumulative GPA, she is taking five AP courses this semester. O’Connell is also a member of National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society.
“I feel sick if I get a B in anything, so I like to get good grades,” said a chuckling O’Connell. “I’ve always enjoyed science and math — those two subjects have always clicked for me.”
In the community, do-it-all O’Connell is a STEM club member and mentor with the MHS Peer Mentor program. She has also provided community service for Marblehead Conservancy with the cross county team.
Speaking of cross country, it’s been quite a season for the three-year captain. She was named Northeastern Conference Runner of the Year and captured her third consecutive NEC title with a time of 18:37.
“We’ve been doing really well this year,” said O’Connell, whose team placed second in divisionals. “The team dynamic is awesome and we really enjoy ourselves.”
Last Saturday, O’Connell’s 19:12.58 time at the Meet of Champions was good for ninth place. The speedster recorded first place at the Frank Kelley Invitational, 48th at the McQuaid Invitational, and eighth at the Bob Glennon Twilight Invitational with a time of 18:33.60.
“I’m really excited about this award and have definitely worked hard over my years of high school — both academically and in cross country,” O’Connell said.
