With over 270 guests in attendance, the evening featured speeches from our incredible coaching staff, acknowledgment of each of our 136 student-athletes, a medal ceremony for the Athletics Class of 2023, and the shining moment of the evening—the presentation of the David Stiefel Spirit Awards—given annually to two 8th graders who have demonstrated stellar commitment, dedication, leadership, and spirit throughout their time in the program. Danny Stiefel, son of the late David Stiefel, was in attendance to present the award to 8th graders Jeremy Azulay and Caroline Zuckerman.

The second-ever Matt Rieger Character Award was presented to 8th grader Maya DeWitt, who exemplified the characteristics that were so important to Matt: integrity, grace, sportsmanship, and participation with the highest respect and honor. The inaugural winner of the award, Charlie Greenburg (‘22), presented this year’s award to Maya.

In addition to the award ceremonies, two 8th graders spoke and reflected on their time in Bernard Zell Athletics. Both Dylan Hessel and Reah Krasnopolskaya gave important and inspirational speeches about how the program has helped shape them as athletes and as people.

Dylan:

“Playing basketball for BZ has taught me to never let anything stop you from being great. Being one of the shortest boys in my grade my entire time in middle school has been a challenge for me. However hard work and perseverance meant I was selected as a starter for most of the games I played. That showed me that however much work and dedication you have and put into something you love will always be more important than things you cannot control. Control the things you can and DO NOT let anything stop you from being the best version of yourself.”

Reah:

“I’m so thankful for great coaches throughout my time in Bernard Zell Athletics. Their guidance and support throughout the season; without them, I wouldn't have been able to make it through. I hope whenever I take the court or the field, I continue to play with a little bit of the lessons I have learned from Mr. Rieger and Coach Pat. These will stay with me on and off the court for the rest of my life.”

2023 Athletics Highlights: 

• First-ever Bernard Zell Cross Country Team

Track and Field Results:

• Girls Varsity - Conference Champions

• Boys Varsity 4x100M - Conference Champions

• Maya DeWitt - Conference Champion, hurdles

• Abbey DeWitt - Conference Champion, hurdles

• Nathan Polonsky - 100M 1st place

• Maya Dewitt 100M - 2nd place

• Caroline Zuckerman 100M dash - 3rd place

• Eli Goodman 400M - 3rd place 

Boys Varsity Volleyball:

• 3rd place

Basketball Results:

• 7th Boys 2nd place

• 8th Boys 2nd place

• 7th Girls 3rd place