Panas' Preuss, Myers Honored: Daily Sports Digest June 7

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Award Winners

We congratulate Walter Panas athletes Christine Myers and Zac Preuss on being honored by the Peekskill Rotary Club at their luncheon on May 31 at Cortlandt Colonial Restaurant.

The below is the speech on their behalf by Panas athletic director and almunus Kyle Pierce:

Role Models

When the Peekskill Rotary Club asked me to select two student-athletes to be recognized for their athletic achievements while at Walter Panas, the only two I could see worthy for this award were Christine Myers and Zac Preuss. These two student-athletes have not only represented Walter Panas High School in the highest manner in their respective sports, but are role-models in our community to younger students and their peers alike. 

In times of adversity it was quite evident that their teammates turned to them. And whether it was Zac, or Christine, they always had the answer.  I would now like to introduce these two student athletes separately so they can be recognized. 

Christine Myers

First, I would like to introduce Christine Myers.

I have known Christine now for one year, not only from her participating in athletics at Panas, but because she is in my physical education class, as well.  Christine played soccer and basketball during her career at Walter Panas and I know her younger teammates, her coaches and teachers will be sad to see her leave at the conclusion of this school year. 

I recall a conversation with Coach (Matt) Evangelista, our Girl’s Basketball coach who just took over this past year. I asked him how Christine was doing as a captain on the team. He responded by telling me Christine was the best, not just one of the best, captains he has ever had. 

For those of you who do not know Coach Evangelista, he has been a basketball coach for 12 years, winning a sectional title and finishing sectional runner-up as the Head Varsity Boys Basketball coach at Briarcliff for a number of years before his return to Panas. 

I thought that statement was just as impressive as Christine’s other feats.  On top of her sports achievements which I will read in a minute, Christine will graduate amongst the top of her class when she and Zac receive their diplomas in less than one month. 

Like I mentioned before, Christine played soccer and basketball at Walter Panas. She was an integral part of each team while serving as captain for both her senior year.  As a member of the basketball team Christine was the best defensive player and the top scorer on the team which landed her All-League honors. 

Christine was also a three year starter for the Girls Soccer team as a midfielder.  As a result of her outstanding play, she was named to the All-League team her sophomore, junior, and senior years.  She was also nominated to the All-Section team her junior and senior year.

College

The next chapter of Christine’s life will lead her to the University of Clemson in the upcoming fall. Although she will not be playing sports there, I know that won’t keep her off the fields as she will be looking to get involved with club teams as frequently as possible.  Whether it’s in the sports arena, or in the classroom, we all know Christine will flourish at the University of Clemson and make Walter Panas proud. 

Zac Preuss

The next student-athlete I’d like to introduce is Zac Preuss. Zac was one of the first student-athletes I met when I took over athletic responsibilities at Walter Panas.  I was told of Zac’s athletic ability by his coaches, but it was just the start of fall sports and Zac didn’t start playing until basketball. 

It was during this time period I was able to get to know Zac as a person.  His attitude, mannerism and personality made it quite evident he was not just a good athlete, but a good person, as well. When the winter season finally came around, it was a relief to finally witness Zac’s playing ability. 

He has that switch, where he was a nice guy off the court, but once he stepped onto the court he became a fierce competitor, which I love because that trait is rare. Zac lead his team this past season as the only captain. 

He started at point guard where he set a school record with 51 3-point shots while shooting 47% from 3-point range; a good shooter shoots around 40%.  Zac averaged 20 points per game, 5 assists and 5 rebounds.  These statistics, as well as his steadfast play earned him All-League, All-Conference and All-Section this past season.  I know Coach (Shawn) Sullivan will not only miss his skill level, but leadership, as well, next season.

As a member of the Varsity Baseball team, Zac was the starting short-stop for the past 3 seasons and team captain this spring. An injury forced Zac to the bench for the better part of the first half this season, which I know killed him.  However, when he finally was able to get back on the field, the overall team play was quite obvious. 

Over his career, Zac amassed a .309% batting average, a .425% on-base percentage, 21 RBIs, led the team in homeruns his senior year, and had an impressive .906% fielding percentage.  These achievements led Zac to be nominated All-League in 2011 and 2012, as well as being selected defensive player of the year in 2011. 

College 

Coach (Anthony) Fata will have a huge gap to fill next year as Zac will take his talents to the University of Southern New Hampshire where he will play baseball.  There’s not a doubt in my mind that Zac will continue to refine his skills, excel in the classroom, and be successful in every aspect of life when he graduates.

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