NFA Student Athletes Sign National Intent Letters

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Christian Hodge stood to the side of the three student athletes, clad in clothing bearing their collegiate names’ insignias and with official papers awaiting their signatures, glanced their way, took a deep breath and marveled at the sight, one brimming with accomplishment.

“Take a look at these three individuals; they represent a culmination of years of hard work and dedication,” Hodge, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District Athletic Director affirmed to their families, friends, teammates, coaches and guests inside the NFA, Main Campus gym. “These are a very exclusive group of kids right here.” He continued, “There are 300 Division 1 Schools; a very small number of athletes get to go to them, as the competition is staggering, and you don’t get into them unless you get the grades; these three have a cumulative GPA of a 95.”

In addition to their impressive feats inside the classroom, each of these NFA student athletes excelled at their athletic pursuits. For Brady Danyluk, sporting a black polo shirt with the school’s other trademark red and white colors of Northeastern University in Boston and its Paws mascot, track and field has provided priceless rewards. A cross country runner since 8th grade, Danyluk has only been running track since his sophomore year, but his natural prowess for the sport was almost immediate and has flourished each season. A State Champion in the 800 meters, an event he holds one of his eight school record in, Danyluk also registered an esteemed cross country school record time, is a four time All-American and has held several captain roles. His work ethic was stressed by Coach, Chris Marino “You won’t find a harder worker than Brady; he’s the first to be at practice and the last to leave.” While his other Coach, Malcolm Burks, relates, “He is still a work in progress; we are not done yet, he is getting better and better.” Danyluk credits his NFA journey for much of his success.

“I’m really excited to take my running to the next level at Northeastern,” said Danyluk, who intends to study Civil Engineering. “NFA has been really special for its winning tradition, and I want to continue that as well as carry with me everything from the coaches and my teammates, who are family, with me.”

Sitting beside Danyluk, clad in her Binghamton University’s green colors was NFA swimming standout, Elle Gerbes. An NFA Varsity Goldback in the pool for the past six years, Gerbes, described by her coaches as having a very strong work ethic and unwavering dedication, has been improving since entering the sport in seventh grade. A school record holder in the 50 yard freestyle, shattering the elusive 24 second mark, Gerbes is a three times event State Qualifier as well as four time individual State Finalist. In addition to swimming for the Division 1 Binghamton program, she plans to study Biomedical Engineering.

“I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to go to Binghamton,” Gerbes said. “Newburgh has had a long line of accomplished swimmers, and I’m so proud to be a part of it, as it has instilled in me so many values-such as my drive and dedication to the sport- and just so many great things have come from being part of this team.” She added, “I’m so excited to have this opportunity and keep on improving.”

Another NFA swimmer catching the attention of a Division 1 school was Jack Mummery, sporting a sweatshirt with his LeMoyne College’s green, yellow and white colors. A swimmer since nine years old when he was in fifth grade, Mummery, who has tallied several county and section individual as well as relay accolades, is a three time State Qualifier, two time individual State Finalist and two time Outstanding Swimmer Award recipient. His longtime Newburgh Sharks Coach, Lauren Lubarsky expressed her incredible pride in his accomplishments, adding, “He represents NFA very, very well, and LeMoyne is so lucky to have him.”

Mummery, who just qualified for his second crack at an individual State Meet placement, punching his ticket to the esteemed Meet Friday night at the OCIAA Championships in the 200 Freestyle, credited much of his success to the Newburgh School’s Swim Program, a treasured time he has been a part of for six unforgettable seasons.

“Being a member of the Newburgh Program has taught me so many lessons, such as grit, determination and hard work, that I have not only applied to swimming, but life; also, my coaches and teammates have gotten me through so much,” said Mummery. “Newburgh’s motto of tradition and getting better with each meet are things that will always stick with me.”