Elizabeth Forward honors athletes

By Emily Bennett
ebennett@yourmvi.com
Elizabeth Forward School District Superintendent Dr. Todd Keruskin beamed with pride as he honored two spring athletic programs for their outstanding seasons at last night’s school board meeting.
Keruskin first called attention to the girl’s softball team, who made their mark as section champions and WPA champions.
“What an amazing season, girls,” Keruskin began.
Keruskin went on to say he attended every playoff game, and that he had only positive memories surrounding the team. He said he will never forget a moment that took place during the state playoffs. The team was down by two points, and they were in the ninth inning with only one to spare.
“You had one inning left and you came back and tied it,” he said. “Just the resilience you guys had to have. It gives me goosebumps just talking about it.”
Keruskin told the young women that he was once a student athlete and had been in their shoes. He said his advice was to translate what they learn on the field into the success of their professional and academic lives.
“My only advice is for you to think about what you learned and make that your life goal,” Keruskin said. “Never give up. If you don’t get that job that you wanted, never give up to get that next job. If you don’t get that A in that class in college, continue to work hard and don’t let anybody tell you anything different.”
As the team posed for a picture in the front of the meeting room, coach Harry Rutherford said a few words about his team. He especially thanked the parents of the athletes, for their continued supporting through the ups and downs that any season brings.
“There was so much excitement this year within the community, with you guys supporting the program all year long,” Rutherford said.
The coach said the girls made up one of “the best teams” he’s ever coached, and said there’s only one problem he can think of in this time of celebration.
“The only problem is, you guys are all coming back, so expectations are really high,” he said. Really high.”
Keruskin honored athletes from the track team, and thanked them for showing up to the school board meeting, even though it was summer vacation. Tim Guffey, athletic director
“Thanks to all the student athletes for being here, even though it’s the middle of July,” he said. “You have a lot to live up to in the next season. The big question is what are you doing in your off season? And that’s key to move forward in your sport.”
The meeting then opened the floor for public comment, and Paul Beck spoke out on what he feels is a middle school football team miscommunication.
“The information process out to the parents has been a little bit scattered,” Beck said, going on to say that he wasn’t made aware of sign ups for football until just recently, through an athletic trainers.

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