Benjamin Athletes, Coaches Named To All-Area Teams
It’s been a banner year for Benjamin athletics, as multiple student-athletes and coaches were named to All-Area teams for the Fall 2017 high school sports season.
Swimmer Alessandra Baldari, who will be attending Yale University next fall, was named both the Sun Sentinel and Palm Beach Post’s Swimmer Of The Year. Baldari was named Swimmer of the Year three years in a row. She finished second in the 200 IM (2:01.28) and third in the 100-fly (53.77) at the Class 1A state championships. She also swam on the School’s 200-medley-relay and the 200-freestyle-relay teams. She swam the third-best time in the country in the 50 free (23.75).
“I'm extremely honored and humbled to be recognized,” said Baldari. “I'm really proud of my high school swimming career and that it has brought about this opportunity, but I definitely couldn't have done it without the support of my parents, brother, coaches, and friends!”
Dual-threat quarterback Jordan Travis, a Louisville commit, was also named both the Post and Sentinel’s All-Area Offensive Player Of The Year. Travis scored 40 touchdowns - 24 passing and 16 rushing - and 3,095 yards (2,190 passing and 905 rushing) this year. He was named Palm beach County’s Player of the Year at the Groza Award Banquet in December.
Outstanding athletes are the product of many things, including great coaching. Three Benjamin coaches were recognized by the Post and Sentinel for their commitment and expertise. Benjamin girls golf coach Wesley Logsdon was named Coach Of The Year by the Post after leading the team to fourth place at the Class 1A state tournament. Logsdon guided the team to their 11th consecutive district title. Boy’s golf coach Toby Harbeck was also named Coach Of The Year after helping the boy’s team advance to district runner-up, a regional championship and eighth-place at the Class 1A state tournament. Volleyball coach Alex Clarke was named Coach Of The Year after guiding the team to their second consecutive win in the Class 4A state championship match. The girls finished 16-4 this season.
“We are very proud of the accomplishments of our teams and student-athletes this past fall. The many student-athletes and coaches who have been recognized by the media for their accomplishments is incredibly impressive. It demonstrates the great talents and depth that we are currently have on our athletic teams,” said athletic director Ryan Smith ‘93
A host of Benjamin student-athletes were also named to First, Second and Honorable Mention teams. They are:
Football
First Team - Martin Weisz, Benjamin, Sr., OL:
First Team - Kaiir Elam, Benjamin, Jr., ATH:
Second Team - OL: Josh Greene, Benjamin, Jr.
Second Team - K/P: Lowell Carr, Benjamin, Jr.
Second Team - RB: Addison Matevia, Benjamin;
Second Team - Kai Rosado, Benjamin
Honorable Mention - Will Nicklaus, Conor Greene, Jojo LaBovick
Golf
FIRST TEAM - Girls
Sarah Beqaj, Benjamin, So.
Hannah Foster, Benjamin, Jr.
Honorable Mention - Benjamin:Jenna Fonda, Sarah Kahn;
FIRST TEAM - Boys
Henry Dubiel, Benjamin, Jr.
Xander Kline, Benjamin, So.
Honorable Mention - Blake Bowen, John Bowen
Volleyball
FIRST TEAM
Katy Blain, Benjamin, Sr., middle blocker
Ellie Blain, Benjamin, So., outside hitter
Second Team - Sierra Barron, So., setter; Emma Lange, Sr., middle hitter; Lauren Lindahl, Sr., libero
Honorable Mention - Heather Sley, Lauren Lange
Bowling
Honorable Mention - Isaiah Thomas
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11000 Ellison Wilson RoadNorth Palm Beach, FL 33408
Ph: 561.626.3747
A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.