IMPACT

It was an emotional tank filling night on the corner of Carnegie & Ontario at Progressive Field on Thursday, May 23. In partnership with the Cleveland Indians, PCA-Cleveland had the opportunity to recognize two of their Double-Goal Coach award winners and all four Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship winners on the field during the pre-game.

The recognition was broadcasted by PCA-Cleveland Chapter supporter, Fox Sports Ohio and was also live streamed through Facebook Live.

What made the experience so tank filling was witnessing the reaction of the award winners and how much it meant to each individual. Each and every one of these individuals is committed to continually improve themselves and those around them while honoring the game at every opportunity. Below are a few of the highlights of the evening and our award winners...

· The family of Coach Anthony Mendoza, Director of Baseball operations at Force Sports, flew in from California to attend the game in support and they were joined by some of Coach Mendoza’s players. Coach Mendoza’s coaching philosophy is centered around the concept of making a 50 year impact on the young athletes he coaches.

· Family, friends, players, and fellow coaches of Coach Dennis Vogel, Football Coach with St. Jude CYO, were all in attendance showing their appreciation for their coach. Coach Vogel continually emphasizes a fearless mentality in his athletes regardless of their talent level.

· Bryan Warah, TIC Scholarship winner, along with his mom, aunt, and two grandmothers, made the trip north from the Cincinnati area. Less than 24 hours prior, Bryan delivered Purcell Marian High Schools valedictorian speech as the first African-American in the schools 91 year history to do so. Bryan has committed to Malone University to continue his basketball career.

· Meghan McKeough, was proudly supported by her family. Meghan is the founder of a local non-profit organization called Stay in Softball whose mission is to help disadvantaged girls and teams continue to play the game they love by providing equipment, uniforms, and field maintenance items. Meghan will be continuing her softball career at Hillsdale College this fall.

· Joined by her family, Megan Biddell, was recognized for going above and beyond to support her community through various volunteer endeavors all while maintaining a 4.1 GPA. Megan has committed to Lake Erie College where she will be a member of the soccer program.

· Also joined by his family for the on-field recognition, Aidan Warga, was recognized for his willingness to do whatever it takes to ensure team success. From playing out of position to having hard conversations with teammates at times, his attitude and versatility on the baseball and football fields have landed him the opportunity to continue his playing career at Baldwin Wallace University.

Unfortunately due to coaching responsibilities, neither Adam Beasley (Lacrosse Coach at Hilliard-Davidson High School and Resolute Lacrosse) nor Bryeon Burnam (Football coach at Forest Hills Athletics Club) were able to attend the recognition however both gentleman are certainly worthy of further attention:

· Coach Burnam, one of the 50 National Double-Goal Coach award winners was nominated and selected due to his commitment to doing the right thing regardless of the situation or the impact it might have on the outcome of a game. “He taught the boys to take pride in their successes, to work hard to correct mistakes, and always be a team. He knew how to get the best out of all of his kids and does so in an envoy manner.” His nominator stated. “Even though a player wasn’t’ an every down player, he pushed them. He made them better and never gave up on them.”

· Coach Beasley was recognized for the second consecutive year as a local Double-Goal Coach award winner. “Coach Beasley has personally developed a working group of stakeholders in the Lacrosse community to address the issues that exist with the growth we are seeing with the game [of lacrosse]” said his nominator. “He embodies service before self. Ask any player or any parent from any of the teams he coaches and they will echo the same.”

The Double-Goal Coach Award and the Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarships are intended to recognize individuals who exemplify the core characteristics PCA strives to teach and amplify every day. Our goal is to continue to develop more servant leaders like these incredible award winners.

Special thank you to PCA-Cleveland Board Members Neil Weiss and Brad Grant with the Cleveland Indians for making this evening possible.

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