MONROE, CT — As the end of the 2023-24 school year draws near, students of the Class of 2024 are finalizing their plans for life after Masuk High School. For the nine student-athletes pictured above, next year will include intercollegiate athletics on top of coursework and dorm life.
Gathered with family, friends, teammates and coaches Masuk held a signing day ceremony for the following student-athletes who have recently made college decisions:
- Lee Brownbill, Football, Springfield College: “A senior captain, Lee has been an integral part in keeping Masuk Football alive and well,” Masuk Head Football Coach Steve Christy said. “He embodies our Team First culture and will excel at Springfield College.”
- Jason Champagne, Football, University of New Haven: “A senior captain, Jason was the heart and soul of the program this past year,” Christy said. “He is an amazing player and competitor and a ‘Yes Coach’ kid. He was an absolute pleasure to be around.”
- Owen Correll, Soccer, Skidmore College: “Owen was a four year varsity member. As a senior he was captain and scored 13 goals with 11 assists,” said Head Boys Soccer Coach
Brendan Cavanaugh. “For his career he scored 30 goals with 20 assists. He was voted Team MVP. Owen is a great communicator and motivator who has tremendous character, always putting the team first.”
- Kasper Murzinski, Soccer, Roger Williams University: “Kasper was a captain in his senior year and scored 24 goals with 4 assists,” Cavanaugh said. “He was selected All-State and voted Team Offensive MVP. He totaled 33 goals and 10 assists over his career at Masuk. Kasper is a hardworking, selfless, driven individual.”
- Erin Davis, Soccer, Skidmore College: “A senior captain, Erin leads by example,” said Masuk Girls Soccer Coach Kate Pellegrino. “Her natural leadership qualities were evident in her approach to motivating her teammates and fostering a sense of unity both on and off the field.”
- Killian Irish-Donini, Lacrosse, Moravian College: “Over his career Killian has netted us a lot of goals, but the thing that is most impressive is his unselfishness and work ethic,” said Masuk Boys Lacrosse Coach Terry Stroz. “He always puts his teammates and the program before himself. He’s changed positions when the team needed it and that is what makes him such a great senior captain.”
- Ethan Palma, Lacrosse, Keene State College: “In just the past two seasons Ethan has compiled 42 goals and 28 assists,” Stroz said. “He does an amazing job controlling the offense on the field, showing poise in any situation. As captain, he always shows calm when the going gets tough.”
- Quinn McGuire, Baseball, Western Connecticut State University: “Quinn is a senior captain and what I would call a ‘glue’ guy,” said Masuk Baseball Coach Brian Hourigan. “He connects with each of his teammates and makes everyone around him better. He is an excellent pitcher who throws strikes and can dominate games as he did when he threw a shutout over Pomperaug this past week.”
- Tristan Smith, Track and Field, Central Connecticut State University: “Tristan is like a coach on the field,” Masuk Track and Field Coach Sarah Barrett said. “As a captain, he steps up to help all the throwers on our team. As an athlete he has broken our throwing records in the shot put, discus, weight, and hammer. He is a multiple All-State winner and an even better teammate.”
While an earlier signing day occurred in the fall, many student-athletes have to wait until springtime to weigh offers, visit schools and make their final decisions.
“What makes each of these kids special is that they are not just talented and highly-skilled athletes, but they are great leaders and people,” said Assistant Principal Ian Lowell. “Their contribution to their teams here at Masuk went far beyond their play on the field, which is noteworthy as each of these student-athletes are truly remarkable athletes. They lifted everyone else on their teams up and took on leadership roles.”
“This will undoubtedly help them in their new teams and colleges,” he added.
“In our district, we have outlined several competencies we wish to see our graduates achieve in what we call the “Vision of the Graduate,” Lowell said. “These competencies include Problem-Solving, Empathy and Compassion, and Communication. While these skill sets can certainly be measured in the classroom, we see these qualities in each of these student-athletes while they practice and compete as athletes too. They have made their coaches, families, and Masuk High School very proud. We wish them all the best of luck next year.”
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