Lady Tigers honored at banquet

The Amherst varsity girls swim team recently held its annual end-of-the-season banquet at Sonoma Grill.

"It was a celebration of our winning season, along with a farewell to our seniors," said coach Kim Skomra. "This year is especially emotional for me, as I have known these girls since they were 8 years old and swimming at the YMCA. I taught many of them to swim."

Seven of the eight seniors were nominated for Western New York Scholar-Athlete status, which is another indicator of their high level of commitment to academics and athletics.

Five awards were given at the banquet. The MVP award was given to senior Michelle Niblock. She was an ECIC winner, a sectional finalist and an All-WNY Scholar-Athlete nominee. The Most Improved swimmer was awarded to freshman Joanna Bardak, an ECIC and sectional qualifier.

The Coaches Award was given to senior Emily Call, an ECIC qualifier and an All-WNY Scholar-Athlete nominee. The Arnold Olino Award, given to a rising JV swimmer, was awarded to freshman and ECIC qualifier Miranda Jacobi.

The Mark Eric Molin Award, given to a varsity team member who exhibits congeniality in the sport, was awarded to senior Sarah Masters, a state finalist in diving this season and a WNY Scholar-Athlete nominee.

Bill Niblock, father of senior Michelle Niblock, said a few touching words about his former teammate Mark Eric Molin.

Captains for next year will be juniors Kaelyn Sullivan and Ellie Poleon.