Rams select Hrycko, Kassa
Drew Hrycko is Ringgold's winter sports male selection in the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar/Athlete Spotlight program.
Kaylee Kassa is Ringgold's winter sports female selection in the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar/Athlete Spotlight program.
Ringgold Athletic Director Laura Grimm has selected Kaylee Kassa and Drew Hrycko as the school’s winter nominations for the Centennial Chevrolet Scholar-Athlete program.
Kassa is the daughter of Edie and Andy Kassa, of Monongahela, while Hrycko is the son of Joseph and Nannette Hrycko, of Finleyville.
Hrycko, who plans to study Biology at Allegheny College, has a 4.2 GPA while Kassa, who will study nutrition and dietetics at IUP, has a 4.0.
“It is a great honor to be recognized,” Hrycko said. “It shows that Ringgold places importance on not only athletic excellence, but academic achievement.”
“It is an honor to be chosen by Ms. Grimm for my academic and athletic abilities,” said Kassa. “I do my best in the classroom and in the pool so I am glad to see that it has paid off as I prepare for college.”
Hrycko and Kassa are both swimmers and ran cross country, and they talked about their most memorable sports memories.
“Being named captain for three years is mine because it wasn’t about being a great leader, it was about being a great friend,” Hrycko said. “It was never me that inspired them; they inspired me to keep going and be the best teammate that I could be.”
“Qualifying for four years for the WPIALs and medaling are mine,” said Kassa. “We got seventh place last year and made it to the podium at the WPIALs.
“It was cool for us because Ringgold has never been known for swimming.”
Kassa chose swimmer Missy Franklin as the professional athlete that she admires the most and her mom as the person who has had the greatest influence on her as an athlete.
“Missy is the first pro swimmer that I remember hearing about, is an accomplished swimmer,” said Kassa. “Plus, she is always so positive all the time.”
Kassa commended her mom for having the greatest influence on her as an athlete.
“I chose my mom because no matter what, she always encourages me to do my best.”
Hrycko picked LeBron James and Michael Phelps as the professional athletes that he admires the most and his older brother as the person who has had the greatest influence on him as an athlete.
“LeBron has incredible character and though he is a great athlete, he never forgot where he came from and strives for greatness every time he steps on the court,” Hrycko said. “And for Phelps, any athlete admires the true greatness and hard work of the most accomplished Olympian in history.”