Our 12th Annual Athletics Banquet was finally back in-person for the first time since 2019. With over 250 guests in attendance, the evening featured speeches from our incredible coaching staff, acknowledgment of each of our 151 student-athletes (the most the program has ever had), a medal ceremony for the Athletics Class of 2022 and the moment of the evening—the presentation of the David Stiefel Spirit Awards, which is given annually to two 8th grade students who have demonstrated stellar commitment, dedication, leadership and spirit throughout their time in the program. Allison Stiefel, wife of the late David Stiefel, was in attendance to present the award to 8th graders Jared Harris and Emma Skidelsky.

The evening paid tribute to long-time Athletics coach Matt Rieger, who we lost in late October of this year. The first ever Matt Rieger Character Award was presented to 8th grader Charlie Greenburg, who exemplified the characteristics that were so important to Matt: integrity, grace, sportsmanship and participation with the highest respect and honor. Matt’s brother, Andy Rieger, Zoomed in to present the award to Charlie. 

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

“It has been a long journey since 5th grade. I have really grown as an athlete, a teammate, and a person … and I will continue to use the skills that I learned here in high school. I want to give a big thank you to all of my coaches throughout my years here.  I will always consider myself an athlete, but now I can consider myself  a Bernard Zell athlete.”
— Mitchell

“Bernard Zell athletics are not only meaningful to me because I love sports. They are meaningful to me because I was able to find my voice and showcase my natural personality while pursuing my favorite passions alongside my absolute best friends and a team of excellent coaches who were there every step of the way. Bernard Zell athletics hold a crucial place in my heart because I grew tremendously as an athlete throughout this outstanding program.”
— Lauren

2022 Athletics Highlights: 

BZ Golf:
CAMS League Golf Outing, two-time team Champions; Individual champions:
Noah Katz and Drew Lufrano

Track and Field Results: 
5th Annual Bernard Zell Invitational - VARSITY:
1st overall
JV 2nd overall

Eli Goodman - 1st 100M, 400M

Maya DeWitt - 2nd 100M, 2nd Hurdles, 2nd Long Jump

Reah Krasnopolskaya - 1st Long Jump

Owen Rich - 1st Hurdles; 1st Long Jump

Grady Grossman - 3rd 100M

4x100 Relay - BOYS AND GIRLS, Varsity 1st Place

Boys Varsity Volleyball:
2nd place

Basketball:
THREE CHAMPIONSHIP appearances (most of any school), only school to win four trophies, 

7th Girls 2nd
7th Boys 2nd
8th Boys 3rd

FIRST EVER GIRLS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP:
8th grade girls undefeated and league champions