Every year the BASD ECHO team acknowledges two athletes (one male, one female) for not only their athletic ability and performance but their traits of perseverance, commitment, and sportsmanship.
We ask our administration, athletic staff, and coaches select who they believe deserve this honor. This year the candidates were down to eight student athletes.
For the boys it was Brady Mayo, Ty Butler, Anthony Mrkonja, Nick Krzeczowski, Tyler Biss, Zack Masters, Amari Jackson, and Ryan Groff.
Nominated girls included Emerson Connelly, Sydney Chontos, Rylie Teapole, Zoe Ringer, Lilia Battalini, Samantha Springman, Ava Sutter, and Jillian Dinsmore.
These candidates all showed efficiency in their skills, demonstrated a strong work ethic, and maintained strong academic performance.
With that being said our 2024-25 BASD ECHO Athletes of the Year are . . . Brady Mayo and Sydney Chontos.
Sydney Chontos
“I am very grateful and honored to be recognized as the girls’ athlete of the year,” said Chontos.
Being a Bobcat athlete has been a positive experience—Chontos said: “Being a Bobcat athlete has helped me grow in so many ways both on and off the field. I’ve learned valuable lessons about discipline and leadership that are applicable not only to soccer but to life in general.”
But none of her success would be possible without support, and Chontos gives thanks to her entire family. They played a huge part in her journey and getting where she is today.
“They sacrificed so much of their time for me and they are always so encouraging, supportive, and up-lifting,” she said.
Chontos leaves Beaver Area with a bright future ahead, and she leaves upcoming high school athletes with important advice.
“No matter what circumstances you are in focus on controlling what you can control. Put your head down and get to work because there’s always much more room to grow,” she advised.
We wish you lucky at Robert Morris—make Beaver Area proud!
Brady Mayo
Mayo is a stellar athlete. He is the full package: breaking records, winning titles and sections, and earned offers for both basketball and football. But besides that he is a great student.
Mayo said, “I am very thankful for the coaches and administrators to be acknowledged with this recognition.”
Mayo doesn’t get much break between seasons as a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, and track).
When asked how he handles that challenge, Mayo said, “While it is very tiring at times, I've always believed that players play. I love to compete and I want to always be the very best I can be. For me there is no handling; at this point in my life I wouldn't want to be doing anything else.”
Mayo made Bobcat history this year in all three of his sports. He helped lead the football team to a section title and received college football offers. He did the same on the hardwood and set a school record of over 1,700 career points. He also recently broke school track records then his own records in the 400M states and placed.
“I would say I am very proud of what I accomplished—all time leading scorer, a school record in track, and more—but I would say those are all results of the work and my daily actions so it's expected,” Mayo said.
Mayo has many supporters, but the people he thanks most are his teammates.
Mayo said, “At the end of the day no one remembers what you did or accomplished, but how you made them feel. All my teammates, in all the sports, made showing up every day an enjoyable experience, and I thank them for that.”
Mayo leaves Beaver Area with history made, and young kids who dream of breaking his records one day.
“To upcoming athletes and all students, my best advice would be to always be the guy who gives energy and not the guy who takes energy,” Mayo shared.
We wish you luck at Slippery Rock—continue to make Beaver Area proud!
On a personal note, I’m happy and proud I got to watch and play with these wonderful athletes. But always remember where you came from and where your journey began: here at Beaver Area.