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Annual awards banquet held for Bears

| 16 Dec 2014 | 03:19
    Sparta Bears President Brian Dolan addresses the audience. photos by megan heintz
    Sparta Bears President Brian Dolan addresses the audience. photos by megan heintz
    The fifth grade Sparta Bears pose together after receiving their awards.
    The fifth grade Sparta Bears pose together after receiving their awards.
    Sixth grade Spirit Award Winner Charles Flint shows off his trophy.
    Sixth grade Spirit Award Winner Charles Flint shows off his trophy.
    Eighth Grade Bears from left to right: President's Award winner Beck Gozdenovich, Spirit Award winner Jordan Gregoli, Head Coach George Stweart, Best Offense Player Will Cisko and Best Defensive Player Eric Stoekel. Photo by President Brian Dolan.
    Eighth Grade Bears from left to right: President's Award winner Beck Gozdenovich, Spirit Award winner Jordan Gregoli, Head Coach George Stweart, Best Offense Player Will Cisko and Best Defensive Player Eric Stoekel. Photo by President Brian Dolan.
    The Sparta Bears Cheerleaders led by Coach Sue Earl celebrated the end of a successful season. Pictured left to right are Taylor Brady, Emma Bova, Moira Dunn, Anna Rodriguez, Carly Piniaha, Maya Golebiewski, Natalie Earl and Kate Fontes. provided photo
    The Sparta Bears Cheerleaders led by Coach Sue Earl celebrated the end of a successful season. Pictured left to right are Taylor Brady, Emma Bova, Moira Dunn, Anna Rodriguez, Carly Piniaha, Maya Golebiewski, Natalie Earl and Kate Fontes. provided photo

By Megan Heintz
SPARTA — For the first time, the Lake Mohawk Country Club hosted the Sparta Bears annual awards banquet.

The Sparta Bears is a part of the New Jersey Suburban Youth Football League (NJSYFL) and was founded five years ago by a group of fathers and coaches, according to Julie Schuldner, Vice President of the Sparta Bears.

“We are so proud of the wonderful accomplishments of our players and team,” Schuldner said.

For their first year in existence, the awards were held at Hillside Park and the last three years were held at Sparta Middle School. However, due to the growing numbers of participation in the program and to celebrate their fifth anniversary, the Lake Mohawk Country Club was chosen as this year’s venue.

The event took place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. The awards were given to third through sixth graders and the seventh and eighth grader teams

Special awards were given out for best defensive player, best offensive player, and the player with the most spirit on each of the fifth through eighth grade teams; these awards were voted on by the players of each team.

Sparta Bears President Brian Dolan also gave out two awards to players who exhibited Bears spirit of good sportsmanship, support of fellow players, and an overall positive attitude, known as the President’s Award.