The graduating class of student/athletes of 2018 from Windsor High School will be remembered for their many accomplishments, both on the field and in the classroom.
The athletes selected in this issue were among the shining stars of their class and all had one thing in common; they represented their school and teams with tremendous talent, dedication and sportsmanship.
Although there were too many seniors to list, we congratulate all of the athletes for their accomplishments and pay tribute to a few with words and pictures. The following is part 2 of a two-part series.
Talent – Riley Smith put together one of the best basketball careers in Windsor High School history in a stellar, three-year run for the Jaguars, rising to become the top player in the North Bay League. A prolific scorer and rebounder, Smith was a go-to player each season. His outstanding play and leadership qualities were a mainstay on two league championship teams.
Skill – Patrick Tappin was a huge contributor on varsity football and baseball teams during his tenure at Windsor, earning multiple letters in each program. A speedy receiver/defensive back/kickoff returner on the gridiron, Tappin had a knack for the big play. He was equally good on the baseball diamond as a great hitter and outfielder.
Strength – Perez D. Perez will be remembered as one of the best wrestlers to wear a Windsor uniform following a tremendous four-year career, a run that included both individual and team success. A three-time SCL champion, NCS titlist and two-time state qualifier, Perez helped his teams capture multiple NBL titles and North Coast Section Duals championships. His quest for another state appearance was cut short last season when he sustained a season-ending foot injury.
Athleticism – Tanner Tobon was the epitome of a natural athlete, excelling in football, basketball and baseball teams during an impressive run at Windsor. An excellent cover man in the defensive secondary, Tobon was a key player in the Jags’ run to the NCS playoff semifinals last season. He was even better on the baseball diamond where he was a speedy outfielder, leading the team in batting average (.345) and stolen bases (12).
Versatility – Olin Piotter was blessed with talent in multiple sports in a star-studded varsity career on Jaguar’s football, soccer and lacrosse teams. Piotter split time as a league-leading kicker on the gridiron, while emerging as one of the soccer program’s brightest stars. He may have been even better on the lacrosse field, where he was among his team’s most productive players.
Toughness – Bas Osborn had few peers on the high school football field in a great all-league run as a defensive lineman, giving the opposition all it could handle. Osborn was a pass-rushing machine, leading the Jaguars in sacks and tackles in multiple varsity seasons. Along the way he gave his team a strong defensive mentality, leading the Jags to yearly trips to the NCS playoffs.
Consistency – Eric Begley was a mainstay on the Jags pitching staff in multiple varsity baseball seasons, rising to become one of the team’s top arms. A consistent winner who could command an assortment of pitches, Begley was a reliable starter who finished among the leaders in wins, earned run average and innings pitched each season.
Determination – Conor Brown made a steady rise through the ranks on championship wrestling teams during a four-year varsity career with the Jaguars, finishing up as one of Windsor’s top athletes. The talented Brown saved his best for his senior season, capturing the NBL 132-pound title and earning a sixth-place NCS medal. Along the way he helped the Jags to NCS Duals and league pennants.
Productivity – Justin Smith was the other half of a potent tandem with twin brother Riley in a fantastic varsity basketball career for the Jaguars. A great scorer, rebounder and defender, Smith was one of his team’s most productive players. His outstanding contributions were a big factor in Windsor’s runs to the league title and NCS playoffs.
Hard-nosed – Thomas Kulas was equal parts mental and physical toughness, whether flattening an opposing ballcarrier on the gridiron or coming off the bench to spell starters on the basketball court. Kulas’ best work came in multiple varsity seasons patrolling the field as a hard-hitting football defender, finishing among the leaders in tackles each season.
Ferocity – Travis Carlozzi was a player every coach would have loved during a spectacular three-year varsity basketball career, playing a leading role on a pair of North Bay League championship squads. A fierce scorer, rebounder and defender, Carlozzi was soul of the Jaguars, playing with a will to win that was unmatched by opponents.
Heart – Jorgen Sarganis played much bigger than his physical stature in multiple varsity seasons on the football field, emerging among his team’s best players. A versatile slot receiver on offense, Sarganis was a threat every time he touched the ball. He was nearly as effective on the other side of the ball, as a great defender.
