Bethlehem Football Award Winners 2023

2023 Winner JASON BLACK

Tony Danckert, a native of Clarksville, was continually involved in sports. Tony was a confident, hardworking, and dedicated athlete throughout his years as a football player, wrestler, basketball player and baseball pitcher at Bethlehem Central School District. At Bethlehem, Tony was a two-way starter at tight end and middle linebacker during his junior and senior years and was named to the All-Metroland Team for both years. As a senior co-captain, he was named to the All-Capital Land Team, Coaches All-Suburban Council Team and the Prep All-American Football Yearbook. Tony was also the top Eagle award winner his senior year, indicative of his determination and outstanding play.

As a four-year scholarship player at Boston University, Tony had the distinction of being only the second Junior Varsity to become a starter on defense for BU. As a sophomore, Tony was the leading tackler. These accomplishments were recognized as he was named to the All-New England Second Team Defense as a middle linebacker after the 1976 season.  Tony’s spectacular achievements and the respect he had was an indication of his great ability, determination, confidence, desire and his great compatibility with others on and off the field. Each year an award is given to the graduating senior most exhibiting the characteristics and values of Tony Danckert.         

2023 Award Winner JACKSON ADAMS

Art Ritchko was a local legend as head coach of the Bethlehem Football Eagles. Coach Ritchko’s dedication and love of football has recently been officially recognized by the dedication of the lighted flagpole and engraved brick and stone apron at the southwestern corner of the Bethlehem H.S. Football Field.  

This award is presented annually to a graduating senior football player who bests exhibits the qualities of love for the game, commitment to winning, and dedication to improve exemplified by Coach Ritchko.

2023 Award Winner Quincy Bonville

This award is given to a senior to academic excellence, sportsmanship, and a team player that has had at least three years of play with the Bethlehem Football Program.

2023 Award Winner Erik Bowers 

This award is presented annually to a graduating senior football player who will be continuing his education and who best exhibits the qualities of desire for improvement, dedication and giving of 110% as best exemplified by Butch Blanchard.  

2023 Award Winner Anthony Gibbs

This award is given to a Bethlehem Central Football Player who goes above and beyond not only in his efforts on the football field but more importantly off the field, and the example he sets for others to follow.

2023 Award Winner Tyler Fabian

This award will be presented annually to a graduating Bethlehem football player who shows leadership qualities, academic strength and esteem with both players and coaches.  Portraying these qualities that will be continued moving forward leading to future professional success.

  2023 Award Winner Jackson Willi

The Sean Murphy Scholarship is given to a Bethlehem senior football player who has represented the qualities of leadership, dedication and sportsmanship as a member of the Bethlehem Football Program.

2023 Award Winner RJ Danza   

This award will be presented annually to a graduating senior football player who has dedicated himself to the Bethlehem Football program for 3 or more years.  The winner of this award has demonstrated his dedication through his hard work and determination throughout the year.

2023 Award Winner Mike Waldenmaier

In memory of Brendon Gross, a scholarship is presented to a college bound senior who best exhibits an all-out commitment to academic success in the classroom and to excellence on the football field. A 1992 graduate, Brendon was co-captain of the football team and played in the 1991 Section II All-Star Game. He received the Chris Oberheim Scholar/Athlete and National Football Foundation Scholar/Athlete Award. Brendon majored in engineering at Michigan State University, where he was on the Dean’s List his Junior Varsity year and was elected Academic Chairman of his Fraternity Sigma Pi Epsilon.

2023 Award Winner Andrew Trowel

 For the player who ultimately shows the most love for the game. The player who leaves it all out on the field every practice, game, and shows unmoving respect to the sport.  

2023 Award Winner Dominic Norfleet

  For the player who puts in the extra work to improve their game, even when no one is watching. 

2023 Award Winner Jack Rosano

    Recognizes a student-athlete who has shown perseverance in overcoming adversity from the previous season.