By Pete Chiodo
CNHI
MEADVILLE — They are those co-workers who always seem to be laying some new fundraising catalog on your desk. They’re the ones piling up the miles, driving to this practice, or to that clinic, or to that away game. They’re the ones that have to deal with the emotions of a bitter loss, or be the bearers of mundane reality after a big win. They are the parents. And it’s rare that they get much recognition for their years of hard work. That’s why the debut of the revamped Meadville Area Sports Banquet, held Tuesday night at the Meadville Sertoma Club, was such a refreshing change of pace. Yes, the event, attended by about 200, was all about honoring Crawford County’s top young student-athletes. But organizers also made sure to acknowledge all those amateur coaches, chauffeurs, financiers and psychologists that make it possible for those kids to excel. “A lot of people forget where they come from,” said Meadville native Amy Palmiero-Winters, one of the night’s speakers and awards presenters. “A lot of the things that we do in our lives are because of the foundations that we had when we were kids. And I owe everything I’ve done to the foundation that I had. “I had parents who supported me.” Palmiero-Winters is a below-the-knee amputee who has gone on to become a world record marathon runner and triathlete. Her parents were briefly recognized last night, as were the parents of each of the young athletes honored at the event. Banquet organizers presented plaques to a male and female athlete from each school in western Crawford County, naming those individuals 2010 Outstanding Student Athletes. And as each of those individuals got their awards, their parents were asked to stand. “It was nice, because they never get recognized for all they do,” said Chelsi Riordan, a three-sport athlete from Linesville High School and one of last night’s honorees. “The same with everybody else’s parents,” she said. “They bring these kids up. They go to all the games. They do everything. I know my parents — through little league and tee ball — they were always there. I don’t remember a game that they weren’t there.” Dave Kennedy, one of the event’s organizers, said he got the idea to recognize the parents after talking with many of them during the preparations for the banquet. “It was a distinct pleasure to talk with the parents on the phone because they really cared to present their children in the right way,” said Kennedy. “They deserve a lot of gratitude considering the amount of time and the number of miles they commit because they love their kids and they want them to experience success.” The pay-off for that diligence was made clear as each athlete’s accomplishments on and off the field were announced — three-year starter ... four-year letter-winner ... MVP ... co-captain ... record-holder ... National Honor Society ... youth tutor ... volunteer coach ... community service. Those kids honored last night were impressive people. “It comes from somewhere,” said Palmiero-Winters. “The students that were here, they are amazing athletes and amazing students. And that comes from somewhere. “It comes from that foundation.” Pete Chiodo can be reached at 724-6370 ext. 275 or by e-mail at pchiodo@meadvilletribune.com. 2010 Meadville Area Sports Banquet Outstanding Athlete Honorees Cambridge Springs: Taryn Spaid; Stephen Kargol. Cochranton: Krystal Kline; Zach Culbertson. Conneaut Lake: Breanna Kebort; Chase Miller. Conneaut Valley: Baylie Jones; Darrin Hyde. Linesville: Chelsi Riordan, Trevor Litwiler. Maplewood: Cassy Snyder; Sam Smith. Meadville: Emily Mottillo, Dan Nelson. Saegertown: Michele Kozubal; David Andrews. Cocolin Community Service Award: Jack Thompson, president of Meadville Sertma Club. The Lang Award: The Economic Progress Alliance, Mark E. Turner, executive director. Milestone Award: Jim Glatch, coach Edinboro University wheelchair basketball team.
