Published: May 09, 2008 10:37 pm            

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK: DeBacco takes top honors at NCCC

Niagara County Community College awarded more than a dozen local athletes at Thursday’s annual awards banquet.

The biggest trophy was handed out to Niagara Falls’ Dale DeBacco, who just about majored in collecting fine mantle pieces during his two-year run with the Trailblazers.

DeBacco, who did earn associates degree in math and science, was presented with the President’s Cup as the program’s top student-athlete.

In the same week he signed a letter of intent to wrestle next season at Newberry College, a Division II program in South Carolina, DeBacco was recognized for his back-to-back all-America efforts on the mat and contributions to consecutive regional championships for NCCC.

DeBacco graduates as the program’s all-time leader in three categories, including wins (83). He’s currently one of the top performers on the golf team, and is trying to become the first Trailblazer to achieve all-America status in two different sports in the same academic year.

“We feel really blessed to have had him,” said Eric Knuutila, head coach of the wrestling and golf teams. “Not only for what he’s done for us, but for the whole college. He had the ability to be a two-time all-American, he was captain of both the wrestling and golf teams, and his academics were top notch.

“On top of that, he’s a perfect gentleman,” Knuutila added.

DeBacco’s will attempt to qualify for the NJCAA golf national championships at his weekend’s regional tournament in Webster. DeBacco’s golf game has struggled this spring, Knuutila said, as he recovered from surgery to repair a knee injury he fought through for most of the wrestling season.

North Tonawanda’s Mark Jaccarino might have a better shot of going to nationals. He’s ranked sixth in the region.

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The Trailblazers also handed out their unsung hero award to DeBacco’s friend and former teammate Tyrell Riley.

Team MVPs were also handed out to: Lisa Batt (Starpoint), volleyball; Tom Willetts, men’s soccer; Armando Rosario, men’s basketball; Matt Milliman, baseball; Sean Jamieson, baseball; Jessica Farr, softball and Jaccarino.

DeBacco earned the coaches award for golf. Other coaches awards went to: Allie Dell (Niagara Falls), women’s soccer; Julie Quarantillo (Lewiston-Porter), women’s basketball; Mary Connel, volleyball; Casey Wittlinger, men’s soccer; Brad Farfaglia, wrestling; Rob Linhart, men’s basketball; Ray Clogston, baseball; Kacie MacVittie, softball.

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Phil Wendt (Grand Island) played in every game and started once for Messiah, a Division III men’s lacrosse program. Wendt, a freshman, had scored seven goals and assisted on four others.

The Falcons went 11-6 and were undefeated in league play before losing the Middle Atlantic States Conference championship to Widener for the fourth straight year.

“It’s going to happen,” coach Geof Weisenborn said after the game. “We’re going to win our fair share of championships.”

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Niagara has nominated graduating senior Brittany Bisnott for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. Bisnott, a women’s soccer player, was a first-team academic all-American, held offices in the Criminal Justice Association and Gospel Choir, was a manager for the women’s basketball team and is headed to George Washington next year to study law.

Contact reporter Jonah Bronstein at 282-2311, ext. 2258 or bronsteinj@gnnewspaper.com.

        

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