Xavier Players Honored at Football Championship Banquet

More than 350 attended a banquet recently to honor 's 2011 State Championship football team at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cromwell. Each player and coach of the team was presented with a championship ring provided by donors and sponsors.

Larry McHugh, president of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and Xavier's first football coach (1963-1983), was master of ceremonies. Middletown Mayor Dan Drew presented the team with a proclamation from the city and 9th District state Sen. Paul Doyle offered congratulations.

Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., offered welcoming remarks. Mercy High School Principal Sister Mary McCarthy, RSM, led the assembled in opening and closing prayers. Director of Athletics Tony Jaskot '69 recognized all the coaches and players for the team's second consecutive undefeated season (13 – 0).

Head Coach Sean Marinan '80 also thanked and recognized the cheerleaders from Mercy High School for their continued support during games. Mercy has provided cheerleaders for Xavier since the two schools were initially founded in 1963.

The banquet was also the opportunity for Coach Marinan to present the Football Special Awards for the season. The players are listed with their graduation year and town of residence.

• Larry McHugh Senior leadership Award — To the senior player that has put the needs of the team first and his personal goals second. Who has provided leadership on and off the field by the example of his actions, effort and play: Sean Marinan Jr. '12 (Higganum)
• Most Valuable Player for the Defense: Ryan Jacobucci '12 (Portland)
• Most Valuable Players for the Offense: Pat D’Amato '12 (Wethersfield) and Mike Mastroianni '12 (Durham)
• Most Improved – To the player who has shown the greatest improvement in his play/effort since the previous season: Ryan Craig '12 (Glastonbury)
• Tony Jaskot Champion of the Year Award — the player whose effort in games and or practice has been an essential reason for the success of the team; these efforts have usually gone unnoticed by the fans, media and others outside the team: Andrew Vadasz '12 (Middletown)
• Kevin Holder Unsung Hero Award — the players whose unselfish effort and play was responsible for the success of the team, usually their role in the success of the team has been over looked by the media, fans and others outside the team: Sean DiFilippo '12 (Killingworth) and Jake Whalen '12 (Durham)
• Custom Carpet Spirit, Hustle & Desire Award — the player whose passion and excitement for the game has been exemplified in their positive, never say die attitude, constant hustle and unselfish desire to help the team: Jovan Santos-Knox '12 (Middletown)